To exercise or not to exercise that is the question!!! In my role as a physiotherapist I see a client group spanning all ages from childhood to those in their late 80s and beyond. I am constantly aware of the lack of physical conditioning evident in many of them principally due to lifestyle choices.

The topic of obesity has been much in the press recently here in Australia but the truth is that lack of regular exercise goes much further than just problems with weight control. Exercise has multiple benefits at different levels which makes it essential, in my opinion, for all to undertake at some level.

I might suggest that the fact that you are looking at this booklet suggests that you have understood why exercise is good for us already.

Let’s look at some examples.

The spine itself needs good muscle control to keep it working at its best. The spine is just a group of bones and ligaments which isn’t able to support itself without excellent muscle action occurring. Thus, getting and keeping fit will be an excellent way to help your back cope with the daily stresses we place upon it.

Everyone understands the cardiovascular benefits from regular exercise routines. We see better peripheral blood flow to the limbs, better/easier breathing, a more efficient heart with a lower heart rate, lower Cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure are some of the documented benefits of regular exercise.

Also, those who are diabetic find that exercise actually makes their system more sensitive to insulin. And so even though their body produces less insulin, the fact that they exercise regularly mean that it copes with the lower insulin levels associated with diabetes.

The person who exercises regularly looks and feels better. The tummy and butt will look that much better, and who doesn’t want that these days!! Energy levels are higher and a zest for life will occur. I suspect that psychologically, there are positive benefits from feeling good about yourself and knowing that you are doing something about your health in a positive way. This is important I feel.

One recent finding is that even an older (or should I say the “more mature”) person will suffer less falls as a result of regular exercise to strengthen postural muscles.

The good thing about exercise is that it isn’t what the exercise is so much as to whether one exercises or not. So my advice to people is to get moving and exercise in the way that they enjoy and find that they can fit into their lifestyle regularly. The exercises contained within this book are graded so that anyone can perform at their chosen level, with the possibility of progression if needed. Also, the other attribute I like, is that they can be done anywhere, at any time and don’t need specific equipment. Thus they will fulfil my aim that we get moving on a regular basis as a “routine” part of life. The benefits will flow accordingly.

Stephen Rodda
BAppSc (physio) 1979
Grad Cert (sports) 1993
Masters of Physio Studies (manips) 2001
Achieving titled status as a “Manipulative Physiotherapist” June 2001.
Currently Chair of the MPA committee in SA responsible for ongoing PD development