‘Watch the kind of exercise you do’

People should be mindful of the kind of exercise they engage in because physical exercise requires lots of energy and demands more vigorous circulation of blood thereby causing faster heartbeat, a fitness expert and a consultant, Anti-Aging and Preventive Therapies, Dr Nnedimma Iwueke,  has said. She also noted that, unfortunately, many people are currently living […]

People should be mindful of the kind of exercise they engage in because physical exercise requires lots of energy and demands more vigorous circulation of blood thereby causing faster heartbeat, a fitness expert and a consultant, Anti-Aging and Preventive Therapies, Dr Nnedimma Iwueke,  has said.

She also noted that, unfortunately, many people are currently living with undiagnosed heart conditions which include valve issues, inflammation of different parts of the heart as well as atherosclerosis, the partial blockage of arteries which some may not be aware of, adding that rigorous exercise can endanger their lives hence, some people slump while trying to keep fit.

“Some slump during exercise as a result of hypertension. It is estimated that 29% of Nigerian adults are hypertensive, therefore, engaging in vigorous exercise while under such health conditions can lead to stroke, heart attack or sudden death,” the expert stated.

She also said, being fit is not only physically but emotionally and mentally. “It is a broad term that refers to optimal personal health and well-being.”

Dr Iwueke said fitness relates to an individual’s ability to perform daily activities while physical fitness ensures ability to withstand physical stress, and that emotional and mental fitness components ensure emotional balance and mental alertness.

“Physical exercise relaxes muscles, ensures healthy  joints and engages the nervous system. It should be noted, however, that physical exercise works better in performing these roles when a proper nutrition is involved. Many people who exercise are not aware of certain dietary needs as well as foods and that negate the desired goal of fitness.”

Dr Iwueke said, exercise engages the body system to mobilize stored fat and this is one route to maintaining a healthy weight, adding that it is however important to observe that exercise without proper nutritional guidance could be an effort in futility.

“For instance, exercising without a detoxifying nutrition could lead to regaining the lost weight as the body struggles to adjust to toxins and free radicals produced in the course of weight loss.  More so, some people exercise and feed on junk at the same time.

“Fast food is full of empty calories which ultimately lead to regaining the weight lost. So, there is the need for nutritional guidance while exercising for weight loss.”

She also said exercise is for everyone and not just for overweight people, adding that the intensity of exercise however varies from one person to the other.

“When you look at the number of people around us with sedentary jobs, the number of obese children and adults and the inadequacy of physical activity in the schools and institutions of nowadays, you would agree with me that more people need to exercise,” she said.