APM_1280x400_exercise

Exercise Influences Physiological Function and Disease Risk

Sedentary behavior has emerged as a potential risk factor for cardiometabolic health, chronic disease, and mortality. While exercise has a range of benefits, from bone and muscle health to improved mood, cognition, and weight management, it may not be enough to combat the effects of a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, optimizing a patient's lifestyle factors becomes a "big picture" approach. Short bursts of low-impact, low-interval exercise is a great starting point for engaging patients in daily movement. Combined with better nutrition and improved sleep quality, consistent exercise, no matter the duration, can positively influence a patient's health outcomes. 

 

exercise_1
%
Only half of US adults meet the guidelines for aerobic physical activity.1 Only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 adolescents meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.1,2
exercise_2
K
An estimated 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if US adults aged 40 and older increased their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by a small amount. Even 10 minutes more a day would make a difference.3
exercise_3
%
People who engage in sufficient levels of aerobic activity are about 30% less likely to die from any cause. The lowest risk of dying occurs in those who have between 150 and 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.4
exercise_4
+
Vigorously active men and women lived 6.3 years longer in good health and 2.9 years longer without chronic diseases between ages 50 and 75 compared to inactive individuals.5

+ References
 

Explore the latest research on exercise

 

slwoing neuro
Brain-Aging & Cognition

Exercise may help maintain brain structure and protect against neurodegeneration.

exercise prescriptions
Exercise Prescriptions

Effective interventions to reduce sedentary habits and increase physical activity.


112619899_lel-1
Exercise Types & Benefits

Various types of exercise like resistance training, yoga, and walking can benefit cardiovascular health.

exercise and heart health 2
Mindful Movement

Reducing sedentary time with small bursts of movement and exercise can lower the risk of heart disease.


147600338_lel
Improving Health & Longevity

Lifestyle factors can reverse the trend of decreasing life expectancy and quality of life.


158817112_lel
Lowering Barriers for Fitness

Julie Foucher, MD, MS, discusses how to get patients started on an exercise prescription tailored to their health needs.

Watch functional medicine experts discuss exercise

 

 

Headshot_Robert_Rountree-e1597948079448
Robert Rountree, MD
Reversing Cognitive Decline

Discover the key to optimized health with Lifestyle: The Foundations of Functional Medicine>

This course explores the evidence-base and clinical applications of modifiable lifestyle factors.
Take a closer look at how the factors below affect the body: