Instruction manual

25
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EXERCISE
The human body is built for action  not for rest. Once upon a time this was a necessity: the struggle for
survival demanded good physical condition. But optimal function can only be achieved by regularly
exposing the heart, circulation, muscles, tendons, skeleton and nervous system to some loading, i.e.
training.
In the old days the body got its exercise both in work and at leisure. In our modern society, however,
machines have taken over an ever increasing share of the tasks which were formerly accomplished with
muscular power alone. Our life has at an accelerated tempo been dominated by sitting, riding and lying.
Thus, the natural and vital stimulation that tissues and internal organs receive through physical exercise
has largely disappeared. Certain tissues such as muscles, bone and blood and also a number of bodily
functions can adapt to inactivity  and to stress. Studies have proved that if you use 30 minutes for
exercise like brisk walking, running, bicycling, swimming or skiing 2-3 times a week, your condition has
been improved by some 15 per cent after a few months. The efficiency of the heart muscle will increase
and joints and muscles grow in strength. The capillary density increases in the trained muscle and their
enzymatic activities are enhanced. The body adapts to the new demands. The perceived exertion at a
given rate of exercise becomes reduced.
With increased physical activity fatness is concentrated, the appetite functions safer, you can eat more
without risk for overweight and thereby the risk of lack of important essential food nutrients decreases.
For many individuals the effect of habitual physical activity also improves the wellbeing and it is a good
feeling to have a potential to cope with straining situations.