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Exercise is Medicine

Nov 15, 2023
Exercising
Exercise is a powerful way to make powerful positive impacts on our physical, mental and emotional health.

Exercise is a powerful way to make significant positive impacts on our health. The American College of Sports Medicine has an "Exercise is Medicine" initiative dedicated to the idea that physical activity is a powerful tool to prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions. At A+ Athlete Sports Medicine we agree and recognize that exercise is not just about getting fit or building muscle – it is a vital component of overall health and well-being.

Exercise as medicine is not a new concept, but it's one that often gets overlooked or taken for granted. Exercise should play a major role in healthcare, and we see exercise as a powerful prescription that can help prevent and treat various health issues. Exercise can provide benefit in treating ailments from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. At A+ Athlete Sports Medicine in addition to diagnosing and treating injuries we also focus on prevention and overall wellness.

Exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. It can also help manage these conditions if they are already present. Exercise is also a crucial component of any sustainable weight management plan. It helps burn calories, build lean muscle, and ultimately achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise can have a significant positive impact on mental health. It can reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boost overall mood and well-being. In addition, it can increase quality of life at all ages by allowing you to stay active and help maintain mobility and independence.

In addition to chronic disease and mental health, exercise has been shown to strengthen the immune system, making your body more resilient to illnesses. Many people who exercise regularly also report better sleep, which in turn can positively affect overall health and well-being. Studies have also shown that regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

Current guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine for 18 to 64 year olds recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Exercise time should be spread throughout the week and at least two sessions per week should be dedicated to muscle strengthening exercises. These recommendations are the same for those 65 and older as long as long other conditions and abilities allow. While these may seem daunting if you’re someone who doesn’t exercise right now, it’s important to point out that even small bouts of exercise (even for a few minutes at a time) can make a big difference to your health over time.

When you visit A+ Athlete Sports Medicine we will take the time to understand your individual goals, constraints, and challenges like current or prior injuries or pain, and can partner with you to help develop a comprehensive plan to incorporate exercise into your daily life. We are passionate about promoting the many benefits of exercise for your overall health and well-being. 

A+ Athlete Sports Medicine physicians compassionately welcome new and existing patients to the practice. Our patients visit us from throughout central New Jersey. Our Robbinsville office is conveniently located for those from Robbinsville, Hamilton, East Windsor, West Windsor, Plainsboro, Allentown, Cream Ridge, Jackson, Bordentown, Burlington Township, Lawrence Township, Ewing Township and more. Our Neptune Township location is conveniently located for those from Neptune Township, Asbury Park, Wall Township, Ocean Township, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Manasquan, Brick Township, Toms River and many more. To schedule an appointment at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine, call the office or use the online booking feature today.