The Truth About Exercise – Prof. James Timmons lecture at Loughborough University

Professor James Timmons discusses the reasons behind why we as humans decide to participate in physical exercise and the actual benefits behind it. Personal reasons include the social aspect, vanity, strength, positive mood, etc. Medical reasons include the prevention of chronic ailments such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Timmons argues that an improved healthy lifestyle that includes physical exercise is more effective than medication for reducing the risk of developing diabetes and several other illnesses. Exercise needs to be individually tailored to the individual, as different bodies have different physical needs. Although exercise has incredible benefits, Timmons makes the argument that it can not be prescribed as a treatment for disease. This documentary directly addresses my guiding question: “How does exercise combat the effects of stress on the body?” Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers and HEAL have concluded that stress leads to chronic illness and disease. Professor Timmons’ lecture argues that exercise prevents these illnesses and diseases, however should not be used to treat such ailments.

Timmons, Jamie. “The Truth about Exercise and Public Health – Professor James Timmons Dec 2012.” YouTube, YouTube, 2 Jan. 2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E42TQNWhW3w.