Exercise care and caution
DOES EXERCISE COME WITH HEALTH RISKS?
You can derive a lot of medical benefits from exercising. At the same time, exercise also increases the risk of musculoskeletal injury and cardiovascular complications.
Musculoskeletal injury is usually associated with exercise intensity, duration, type of exercise and pre-existing joint, muscle or bone problems.
Cardiovascular complication such as acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death usually occur in persons with known heart disease or occult heart disease.
It occurs most commonly among those who do vigorous intensity exercises. However, the benefits of exercises far outweigh the risk.
IS THERE ANY LIMIT OF EXERCISING?
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum dose of 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous intensity of exercise or a combination or moderate and vigorous intensity exercise.
There is an upper limit of exercise, however, this is not known. Therefore, it is best to exercise in moderation. Follow the advice from a healthcare professional and allow your body to recover before engaging in another exercise activity.
WHAT IS THE DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXERCISE AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS?
Dose of exercise is measured by the duration and intensity of exercise. The greater the dose or amount of exercise (duration and intensity), the more health benefits the person gains.
This means the more exercise a person does, the greater the benefit he or she will enjoy compared to those who exercise less or don’t exercise at all.
Studies have shown that the dose-response relationship of exercise is seen and proven in all-causes of mortality, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, energy balance, musculoskeletal health, colon and breast cancer and general well-being.