Exercise is a term relative to human health and fitness. It is necessary for maintaining the normal condition of body. Lack of proper physical exercise is one of the main reasons for poor health and weakness.

In recent times exercise has become one of the pre-requisites even in sickness. One such form of exercise is Physiotherapy where proper treatments are used to restore the nerves and muscles of the body, back to normal that have been damaged by any accident or a disease.

For maintaining proper balance of life it is necessary to differentiate between exercise and exertion. Exercise uses the body to remove any diseased condition and acquiring muscle tone and control with maximum joint flexibility. Whereas exertion is a strenuous physical work done with the objective of performing day to day routine activities. There are various benefits of exercise. They are:

Regular daily physical exercise helps in the proper absorption of food by the body. It increases the normal body temperature and base metabolic rate during several weeks of exercise. If the person is healthy he usually has a radiant glow and proper radiant heat

Exercise maintains an even flow of blood to the various organs of the body including the brain and heart.

It helps in improving the capillary action of the muscular and brain tissue. This increases the resistance power of the muscles including the heart to cope up with the daily fatigue.

Daily exercise clears away lung congestion and prevents it which is a result of lymph accumulation.

Disorders of the stomach such as gas, bloating can be prevented by proper physical exercise which gears up the intra intestinal activity.

Respiratory system is regularized by proper exercise. This ensures efficient functioning of lungs, throat and other organs of respiration.

The functioning of veins is regulated as the blood is repetitiously squeezed and drained out of them and again filled back.

During exercise the body wastes are thrown out through sweat and this enhances the functioning of kidneys.

Proper physical exercise improves hemoglobin levels, red cells and total protein content in the blood.

Researchers have established a close connection between exercise and functioning of the heart. The study demonstrates that less active persons run 4 times higher risk of suffering a heart attack than those who exercise regularly. Even those who had fatal heart attacks were prone more likely to die unexpectedly within an hour or so after the attack.

Hypertension, Blood pressure are also various other diseases associated with less active persons. A research study was conducted among a selected group of men and women in the United States and the doctors studied the physical health and habits of these people for an average of four and a half hours. The result showed that lack of proper physical fitness leads to hypertension.

Exercise is not only beneficial to normal persons but obese persons can also reduce their fat and increase calorie output. It is therefore helpful for reducing weight in conjunction with limited intake of food. Proper physical exercise increases HDL (High Density) cholesterol which is good for the heart and reduces LDL (Low Density) cholesterol which block the veins of the heart. It therefore prevents the risk of heart attack and bypass surgery.

Besides this, exercise works as a best tranquilizer and stress reliever. Daily exercise helps maintain the even circulation of blood to the brain and improves its capacity in coping up with stress, fatigue and depression. It changes hormone levels in the blood and may elevate your beta endorphins (mood affecting brain chemicals).

Several methods of exercise have evolved during the years; the most popular among them are Yogic asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and the Swedish system. Choosing a method of exercise is a matter of choice, but whichever method you choose, it should be performed under proper expert guidance. Jogging is also a good way of exercise as it tones up the body muscles and improves respiratory and circulatory functions.

It is also necessary to observe certain precautions while undertaking any kind of exercise programme. It should not be performed for one hour after eating nor immediately before meals. Persons suffering from diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and asthma should perform exercises only under the supervision of a competent expert. To begin one should start with a light exercise schedule and increase it slowly and gradually to a more advanced stage. You should start with a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes and later adopt advanced forms of exercise. A good exercise programme is one which imparts a sense of well-being and satisfaction.

Thus we can say that exercise is necessary for maintaining the physical and emotional health, improve resistance of the body and mind in coping up with the daily routine work, stress and tension and provide a shield in fighting and preventing various diseases and ailments.