Reference; http://seino-1987.jp/blog/yousei/6540.html
Modified and translated by CFJA
Health Caused by Exercise
The title “Health Caused by Exercise” may feel odd to many. After all, exercise is essential for maintaining health. However, in my daily consultations with patients, I often sense that the image of exercise as universally beneficial has taken on a life of its own. Many people seem to believe that they must exercise no matter what, or that any kind of exercise is inherently good for their body.
As humans, we are biological beings, and keeping our bodies active is indeed important. Remaining sedentary can lead to a decline in physical fitness. However, this does not mean that we can or should exercise anytime or for any duration. For example, when I see people running late at night, I imagine they must feel they have no other time to exercise. I admire their strong sense of commitment to health, but at the same time, I feel saddened by the thought that they might be unknowingly contributing to health issues themselves.
Many people inadvertently shorten their lifespan due to a lack of foundational knowledge about maintaining health. While the term “self-care” (or “yōjō” in Japanese) is widely recognized, few people seem to practice it correctly. Going forward, I will provide insights into exercise, which I hope you will find useful in learning how to manage your own health effectively.
Note: The term “養生” is generally read as “yōjō” in Japanese, but its formal reading is “yōsei.”
What is Exercise?
Here, we will discuss “exercise” in the sense of activities that help people maintain their health. To stay healthy, it is generally believed that maintaining a state of moderate activity is beneficial.
“Exercise” refers to activities that provide appropriate stimulation to joints, muscles, and internal organs. Since ancient times, various methods of maintaining health through activity have been devised in different countries. Among these, one of the most representative exercises is yoga. Additionally, there are systematic exercise methods such as Tai Chi, Jikyōjutsu (bending and stretching exercises), Makko-ho (a set of four exercises for general health), and Hida-style Kyoken-jutsu (methods for training the body and mind). Furthermore, for individuals who are already physically healthy, martial arts and sports can also be considered forms of exercise.
If we broaden the definition, any physical movement could be classified as exercise. However, labor cannot necessarily be regarded as exercise. While labor might appear to involve physical movement, it is an activity that causes physical fatigue, making it difficult to classify as an activity that promotes health. That said, if labor contributes to a state of mental calm and well-being for an individual, it can be an exception.
In this section, we would like to define exercise as an activity that maintains a balance between the body and mind.
3. The Best Season to Start Exercising
4. The Best Time of Day for Exercise
5. How Long Should You Exercise?
6. Choosing the Right Place for Exercise
7. Exercise and Bathing/Showering
8. Eating and Drinking Before and After Exercise
9. The Dangers of Sleeping Immediately After Exercise