When I see golfers, runners, bikers, in-line skaters and ballplayers who can’t wait to get outside for some activity in the fresh air, I applaud. These folks know a secret: Exercise is good for your mind and body.
We have long endorsed fitness, but many of us have not understood the connection between physical activity and mental ability. In one study, older people who hadn’t exercised regularly for at least five years began taking long walks three times a week for six months. At the end of the study, the walkers showed an improvement of 15 percent on mental tests.
The advantages of comprehensive health-promotion programs surface in study after study. Coca-Cola reported saving $500 per employee in health care claims each year for employees who joined their fitness program. Prudential Insurance reported their medical costs were cut nearly in half for each participant in the wellness program. At General Electric, fitness program members reduced their health care costs by 38 percent. Additional benefits include decreased absenteeism, greater productivity, better performance, and improved morale. And recent medical research links regular exercise with lower risks of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. A healthy person is a generally a productive person. It’s that simple.
So, get moving—and encourage your family members and friends to do the same. If you have access to gym facilities or health club memberships, take advantage of these valuable benefits. Take regular morning and afternoon exercise breaks. Organize a walking club at lunch.
If your company, church, association or club doesn’t have a formal exercise program in place, consider starting a softball, tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, golf, or bowling league.
This is nothing new. You know exercise is good for you. The human body is the only machine that wears out faster if it is not used.
Excellence in Action: Seek a better connection between your exercise and your work.
by Harvey Mackay
My BeachLifestyle.com News Room
http://www.mybeachlifestyle.com/cms/article.php?story=20080312230917763