There is strong scientific evidence detailing the beneficial effects of regular exercise, which are likely to go well beyond reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Furthermore, exercise benefits can overcome those of common drugs when one considers that exercise combines preventive, multi-system effects with little adverse consequences and at lower cost. Exercise, and especially contracting muscle, is certainly a source of numerous drug-like molecules with beneficial effects across all ages. In addition, regular exercise is probably the lifestyle intervention with the most profound upregulating effect on hundreds of genes involved in tissue health implying a complex interaction between muscles and other tissues. As opposed to exercise, no drug intervention has proven efficient to maintain muscle fitness, a key factor to ensure independent living throughout all stages of life.
Exercise. No comparison.
About the Author: Dean Smith, DC, PhD
Dean Smith, DC, PhD, husband, and father of two children, is a highly respected health and wellness authority. He is a chiropractor at Essence of Wellness Chiropractic Center and a researcher and clinical professor at Miami University.
Dr. Smith incorporates lifestyle intervention (exercise, nutrition, other non-drug methods) with chiropractic adjustments and other manual methods to encourage optimal wellness. He has helped countless adults and children lead a life of wellness.
His research interests lie broadly in the area of human movement and coordination. He is most interested in how chiropractic, exercise and rehabilitation affect human performance.
His scientific articles have been published in such journals as Human Movement Science, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Chiropractic Research Journal, Chiropractic and Osteopathy and The Open Neurology Journal. His training includes a Master’s degree in exercise science, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a PhD in brain and cognitive science with a focus on motor control and coordination. The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic has awarded him with the International Chiropractic Sport Science Diploma (ICSSD).