Exercise

Exercise is well recognized as a lifelong endeavor essential for energetic, active, and healthy living. In large, longitudinal studies, it has been established that morbidity and mortality are reduced in physically fit individuals compared with sedentary individuals. It is important to recognize the role of exercise as a component of good health. Exercise, either alone or as an alternative or complementary therapy, has been linked to many positive physiological and psychological responses, from reducing the stress response to increasing one's sense of well-being. Nurses' knowledge of exercise and its application in multiple populations assists in the delivery of expert nursing care. This chapter discusses the definition, physiological basis, application, and promotion of exercise as a nursing intervention in a variety of populations and specific cultural applications. The focus of the exercise intervention and prescription is devoted to aerobic exercise training.