Sorry, there’s no magic pill

By Sean Rooney on March 31, 2018.

First off, Happy Easter!

Secondly, in the last year, I have read or had a couple of questions regarding an “exercise pill.” The conversation usually goes as follows: an individual will come up to me and say something like, “If we have pills to help us sleep, relax, or inhibit our hunger, why don’t we have a pill to mimic the effects of exercise?” I usually respond with a puzzled look, and I secretly remind myself how lazy the world has become.

“The easiest way isn’t always the way that’s going to be the best for you in the long run.” This quote by an unknown author is one of the truest statements known to man.

Exercise requires effort. No it is not easy, but the rewards are immense. Exercise is medicine! This is one of the most commonly discussed topics in exercise physiology in recent years. Exercise has immense benefits. Not only does exercise help to prevent disease, but it also helps in the remediation of disease. Take cardiovascular disease for instance; exercise helps to prevent the build-up of plaque in arteries that can eventually result in heart attacks and strokes. These plaques will develop over time and ultimately close off an artery or become mobile and cause a blockage downstream.

When I inform an individual that there is no “exercise pill,” the typical response is to ask how much exercise they need to elicit a response. I tell them that aerobic exercise such as walking, running, swimming, or playing a sport for 30 minutes a day 3-5 times per week is sufficient. The sad reality is that even this little amount is often too much for some people.

This perception among this less than motivated population needs to change. The reality is that heart disease is on the rise, and regular exercise is the answer to combat the problem. No, there is no exercise pill, but there is a solution. The solution is change! A habit can be developed in as little as 21 days. So get out there and start the change. It may be hard at first, but it will be very rewarding in the future.

Cory Coehoorn is the coordinator of the Alberta Sport Development Centre at Medicine Hat College. He would love to chat with you and answer any questions that you may have regarding their programs and services. He can be reached via email at ccoehoorn@mhc.ab.ca or via phone at 403-504-3547.

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