Obligatory Exercise: Health Benefits and Implications
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and for many people, it is an obligation to participate in physical activity on a regular basis. Obligatory exercise, or exercise that is required to be completed, has been associated with a range of health benefits that can be seen in both the short-term and the long-term. This article will discuss the various health benefits that can be seen as a result of participating in obligatory exercise, as well as some of the potential implications of this type of activity.
The most obvious benefit of obligatory exercise is that it encourages people to participate in physical activity, which is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer (Fisher et al., 2019). Additionally, regular physical activity has been associated with improved mental health, such as reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Cha, 2018). As such, obligatory exercise can have a positive effect on overall health and well-being.
In addition to the long-term health benefits, obligatory exercise can also have positive short-term effects. Studies have found that regular physical activity can improve cognitive performance, reduce fatigue, and enhance mood (Frazier et al., 2017). This can be beneficial for those who are required to participate in physical activity as part of their job or school routine, as it can help them to stay focused and productive.
Although obligatory exercise can have a range of positive benefits, there are also potential implications that should be considered. One potential concern is that people may become too reliant on exercise as a means of achieving their fitness goals, rather than focusing on other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition and rest. Additionally, some people may find obligatory exercise to be overly demanding or unenjoyable, which can lead to a lack of motivation and potential burnout (Glowacki, 2017).
In conclusion, obligatory exercise can be beneficial for overall health, both in the short-term and the long-term. However, it is important to consider the potential implications of this type of activity, such as the potential for over-reliance and potential burnout. It is important to ensure that exercise is enjoyable and sustainable, so that the health benefits can be achieved in the long-term.
References
Cha, S. (2018). The impact of physical activity on mental health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(6), 1110. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061110
Fisher, A. E., Paluch, A. E., Brown, W. C., Winwood, P. C., & Schubert, M. M. (2019). The health benefits of physical activity: A review of the evidence. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 62(1), 23-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2019.03.003
Frazier, S. E., White, S. M., & Moore, R. E. (2017). The acute cognitive effects of exercise and its positive impact on academic performance in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 745. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00745
Glowacki, S. P. (2017). The impact of exercise on mental health. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 51(3), 319-332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-017-9911-2