Why is working the body important?

The health benefits of movement and exercise can be traced back to early civilization. Sports and exercise became popular in the United States during the mid-1800s. As cities and suburbs grew and office work became more common, people exercised less. They also had more health problems. This led to the invention of jogging, and in 1963 the first jogging manual was published.¹ Unfortunately, adults still struggle to be active and there are fewer physical education classes in schools for kids.²

An active lifestyle decreases the risks of long-term health problems. This is partly because moving regularly decreases inflammation in the body. Inflammation is at the center of many diseases.³ Studies show that activity is linked to lower levels of obesity, sexual dysfunction, some types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, chronic pain, and arthritis.^{4 5} It also helps people with mental health problems like anxiety and depression.⁶

The key is to ask yourself, what sort of activity routine would be right for you?

What if I have limited mobility?

Different health issues limit how people can be active. Each person has to explore what healthy activity is best for their individual needs. Many exercises like yoga, tai chi, strength training, and aerobics can be modified for people with limited mobility due to chronic pain or injury. There are an increasing number of fitness apps available for people with different mobility requirements. Physical activity is also incorporated into programs through the Wounded Warrior Project and the MOVE! Weight Management Program, both of which have experience working with disabled Veterans. All VA’s with Spinal Cord Injury/Spinal Cord Disability centers have adapted gyms with equipment for people with movement limitations. The VA holds National Wheelchair Games every year as well. See what programs and resources are available through your local VA and ask your health care team which ones are right for you.

What are the different types of physical activity?

Physical activity is often thought of as exercise. Experts group exercises in the follow ways:

• Endurance exercises increase heart rate.
• Strength exercises build stronger muscles.
• Balance exercises prevent falls.

Flexibility exercises prevent muscle and joint injuries