Exercise helps life expectancy and quality of life

Exercise is now well-proven to not only increase life expectancy but also improve quality of life, said ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie.

RICHARD BEDDIE Exercise NZ Chief Executive t protects older people especially against every major disease such as heart disease, cancer and type II diabetes as well as provides significant broader wellness benefits related to mental health and slowly degenerative diseases such as dementia, he said. “There are so many benefits from structured exercise such as classes/activities.

The World Health Organisation for health physical activity guidelines are 150 minutes a week, or 30 minute sessions five times a week. “Everyone should reach those guidelines weekly and also try and do two hours of physical activity things that place a load on the body. “This is vital for bone health and keeping good strength for everyday activities.

The good news is some things can tick off both at the same time, such as working out at the gym.The old adage of use it or lose it definitely applies here.” Exercise is especially important for the 13,000 New Zealanders who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Beddie says one in every 500 Kiwis suffers from Parkinson’s and regular activity will help them.

It is the second most common neurological condition in New Zealand and Beddie said Exercise NZ has supported the training of exercise professionals to better understand the condition. “Exercise can be cheap, relatively safe and free of side effects. It is increasingly being used to help manage other health conditions like Parkinson’s disease. “Studies consistently reveal that people with Parkinson’s can improve in the following their strength, endurance, balance, mobility, walking ability and flexibility.

Research has shown that people who exercise are less likely to develop Parkinson’s.” “Exercise increases the body’s response to dopamine cells in the brain, thus slowing the progression of the disease in some people and helping to manage the symptoms in others. “Exercise activities such as walking or dancing are steps in the right direction for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Getting an exercise routine early after diagnosis is key to the best outcomes. Fitness activity could help prevent falls in people living with the disease.” Beddie is recognised in the fitness industry as a global expert in exercise and physical activity.

He has a background in governance of global bodies including being chair of the International Confederation of Register for Exercise Professionals for four years and nine years with Skills Active Aotearoa, New Zealand’s standard-setter for education and training in sports fitness and recreation.

He set up the world’s first collaborative network for registered exercise professionals globally and has worked with other countries to facilitate portability for New Zealand-trained exercise professionals to travel and work overseas.