The first week didn’t count; let the year really begin
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They might have an excuse to stay indoors. We really don’t.
If that New Year’s fitness resolution has already faltered -- or was never made -- not to worry .... Today marks the official start of Week 2 of the new year. (No one can really be expected to exercise that first week anyway, not with hangovers, travel, the return to work and school, decorations taunting you with their unput-away-ness ....)
We offered ‘get yourself in shape’ advice and tips in the most recent Health section. (Of note, boot camps and fitness logs work, calorie counters might not, and food ‘compensation’ definitely doesn’t.)
Today, we offer up reasons to follow that advice, from other health-focused journalists, nags, whatever ....
-- From the Wall Street Journal: The Hidden Benefits of Exercise
It begins: ‘As millions of Americans flock to the gym armed with New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, medical experts are offering an additional reason to exercise: Regular workouts may help fight off colds and flu, reduce the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases and slow the process of aging.’
There’s data, graphics...
-- From Reuters, reporting on a new study in the Journal of Urology: Exercise May Prevent Incontinence From Prostate Surgery
It begins: ‘Researchers found that among 165 men who had their prostate glands removed due to cancer, those who were not obese and were getting regular exercise before surgery had the lowest prevalence of long-term urinary incontinence. What’s more, even among obese men, those who had been physically active before surgery were less likely to be incontinent one year after surgery.’
-- And from Michael Jacobson, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, writing on the Huffington Post: 7 Secret Benefits of Exercise
He asks: ‘Everybody knows that aerobic exercise builds endurance and strengthens the heart, and strength training builds muscles. But did you know that exercise creates new brain cells? Or that it can help ward off cancer and diabetes? Or that it can keep you from accumulating the wrong kind of body fat?’
Well, yes, but the reminder is nice.
If our advice and these explainers aren’t enough to add some movement to your new year, coming this afternoon on latimes.com and in Monday’s print Health section is our paean to pedometers. They’re uncomplicated, and they’ll encourage you to get off the couch and out of the house. Think of them as a friend who offers only positive feedback.
And if you don’t actually buy one until next week, you might be able to delay that new exercise regimen until Week 3 of the new year. Because those decorations are still there, waiting ....
-- Tami Dennis