The need for exercise is quite simple and stems from the fact that changes in society take place at an incredible rate whereas the evolution of man is a much slower process. When compared to our predecessors, modern society requires less physical activity but we are subject to greater stress. Inactivity and stress form a lethal cocktail that is the major cause of heart disease, high blood pressure and certain forms of cancer which together account for the majority of deaths in Western society.
Stress is not all bad, we need a certain amount to stimulate us into action; too much stress is bad especially if the stress level cannot be relieved. Stress activates a mechanism in the body releasing chemicals that allow for a tremendous burst of energy. This is a vital survival mechanism know as "fight or flight", however, the stressors that trigger this mechanism in modern man often stem from frustration in traffic jams, train cancellations and computers crashing.
Unlike our predecessors we are unable to run freely or climb the nearest tree to restore the chemical balance of the body. We have to sit there whilst the chemicals released for action stagnate in our blood stream causing untold long-term damage.
The body is a truly magnificent machine with a capacity to correct a lot of these problems. Too often unaware of the consequences, we go until the situation becomes chronic. However, there are some indicators that all is not well and one of the more obvious signs is when we start to put on weight.
Recent surveys show that over 50% of the population of the UK are overweight and only the USA, with more than 60%, is in worse shape. Being overweight increases the risk of serious health problems and in most cases is unnecessary. Excessive weight gain will not happen overnight and a regular exercise routine along with a sensible diet will keep you in good shape.
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle we must have an understanding of how our body works, how to train it to improve its efficiency and how to provide it with the nutrition that it requires.
If you want to know more about how your body works and how each energy system is trained, then read the rest of this section. If not, then you can go straight to the next section.
