Why exactly is “Exercise” considered medicine? Exercise has a difficult task of competing with the 5 seconds it takes to consume a pill, versus the 30 minutes it takes to gain health benefits from exercise. However, since the development of the Exercise Is Medicine Organization, there has been great momentum in the area of implementing exercise prescription as the first line of treatment for patient’s when appropriate.
I have always had a love-hate relationship with exercise.
And while I know that it is very important for my health, it is more challenging for me, because of my medical condition, and I don’t enjoy it.
I was born with cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic lung disease that makes breathing very difficult and causes excessive coughing.
My doctors have always told me that exercise will help strengthen my lungs and will literally help extend my life, but every time I’ve tried to work out, I have been unsuccessful. When my health began to decline a few years ago, I decided that it was time to commit to a work out regimen.
I
was very excited when I found Lisa because she specializes in working with people with chronic illnesses. Lisa studied my condition and planned out strategic workouts to ensure that our time together is most effective for my health. She is patient with me but also pushes me to work harder and do more than I ever thought I could.
After working out with Lisa for only two months, I saw dramatic improvements in my health. My lungs went from 96% to 104% as shown in my Pulmonary Lung Function Test. My doctor was thrilled to say the least.
I still have a long way to go, but I am already feeling better- I have more energy and feel stronger. I have finally found an exercise regimen that I can stick to. I am so grateful to Lisa for devoting her time and energy to helping and teaching me.
I know that our work together will result in a longer and healthier life for me, despite my illness.” -Stacy Motenko, 26, with Cystic Fibrosis