Effect of body conditioning

Physical exercise is important for maintaining and can contribute positively to maintaining a healthy weight, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system. Developing research has demonstrated that many of the benefits of exercise are mediated through the role of skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ. That is, contracting muscles release multiple substances known as which promote the growth of new tissue, tissue repair, and multiple anti-inflammatory functions, which in turn reduce the risk of developing various inflammatory diseases.

Stretching is a form of body conditioning designed to promote flexibility. This type of exercise is general used in conjunction with relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Stretching is a good program that can be added to most athletic exercise during warm-ups or cool-downs.

There are multiple methods and training programs to promote body conditioning. Each program is designed to support specific athletic aspirations. These include running, biking, swimming, contact sports, and aerobic activities. Training for a sport requires dedication and focus. As the body becomes accustomed to a physical activity it will be better able to perform at a higher level.

• Cardiovascular system

The beneficial effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system is well documented. There is a direct relation between physical inactivity and cardiovascular mortality, and physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. There is a dose-response relation between the amount of exercise performed from approximately 700 to 2000 kcal of energy expenditure per week and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged and elderly populations. 

  

• Immune system

Although there have been hundreds of studies on exercise and the , there is little direct evidence on its connection to illness. evidence suggests that moderate exercise has a beneficial effect on the human ; an effect which is modeled in a . Moderate exercise has been associated with a 29% decreased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), but studies of marathon runners found that their prolonged high-intensity exercise was associated with an increased risk of infection occurrence. 

• Brain function

Main article: Neurobiological effects of physical exercise
Physical activity has been shown to be neuro protective in many neuro degenerative and neuro muscular diseases. Evidence suggests that it reduces the risk of developing dementia .The Caerphilly Heart Disease Study followed 2,375 male subjects over 30 years and examined the association between regular physical exercise and dementia.
increasing the blood and oxygen flow to the brain;
increasing growth factors that help neurosis. and promote synaptic plasticity — possibly improving short and long term memory;
increasing chemicals in the brain that help cognition, such as dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Physical activity is thought to have other beneficial effects related to cognition as it increases levels of nerve growth factors, which support the survival and growth of a number of neuronal cells.

• Depression

A number of factors may contribute to depression including being overweight, low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety. Endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and antidepressant in the body.Endorphins have long been regarded as responsible for what is known as "runner's high", a euphoric feeling a person receives from intense physical exertion. However, recent research indicates that anandamide may possibly play a greater role than endorphins in "runner's high". When a person exercises, levels of both circulating serotonin and endorphins are increased. These levels are known to stay elevated even several days after exercise is discontinued, possibly contributing to improvement in mood, increased self-esteem, and weight management.

• Sleep

A 2010 review of published scientific research suggested that exercise generally improves sleep for most people, and helps sleep disorders such as insomnia. The optimum time to exercise may be 4 to 8 hours before bedtime, though exercise at any time of day is beneficial, with the possible exception of heavy exercise taken shortly before bedtime, which may disturb sleep. There is, in any case, insufficient evidence to draw detailed conclusions about the relationship between exercise and sleep.

One example of body conditioning exercise for fighters is in the art of shin conditioning for kick boxers. A shin conditioning program consists of hitting a heavy bag with the lower legs. This continuous pounding of the lower legs develops tough skin and calluses on the shins, which makes them less susceptible to injury.