Physical exercise has long been recognized as essential to human health and well-being. Over the course of civilization, the benefits of physical activity for both physical and mental health have been understood.
In fact, understanding these benefits and prescribing exercise as part of disease management has been practiced for over 2,500 years in various parts of the world.
However, over time, exercise has received less attention as a component of disease treatment and prevention.
“Exercise is often considered merely as a form of entertainment, a way to fill leisure time, or to shape the body,” said Professor Denny Agustiningsih from the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), who was inaugurated as professor of sports physiology on Thursday (Jan. 30).
In her inaugural speech, “Does Exercise Always Bring Health Benefits?” Professor Agustiningsih presented various studies on factors contributing to the high incidence of chronic diseases, ultimately reemphasizing the importance of physical activity in the medical field.
Researchers believe no other intervention, such as physical activity, can positively impact multiple organs and body systems.
“In 2007, integrating physical activity into routine healthcare emerged as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases. The main principle of this initiative stressed that exercise is not only a means to improve fitness but also an essential tool in preventing and treating various chronic diseases,” she explained.
According to her, exercise can indeed be an extraordinary means of maintaining and improving health, but it must be done wisely—following the right dosage and always paying attention to the body’s signals that require recovery time and repair.
A proper understanding of the benefits and risks, along with policies supporting safe and inclusive sports, will ensure that exercise truly brings health benefits to all individuals.
“There is still much work to be done in promoting awareness campaigns about the importance of proper exercise and the risks of excessive exercise without making people afraid or hesitant to engage in physical activity,” she remarked.
Professor Agustiningsih noted the increasing efforts by the government, academics, and various community groups to promote exercise.
Additionally, she observed the public’s growing enthusiasm for participating in and attending various sports-related events. This shows that society is becoming more aware of and attentive to the health benefits of exercise.
Moreover, on social media, there are also groups of people who are highly enthusiastic about exercising and regularly share their activities online.
On the other hand, reports of accidents and even deaths during exercise have surfaced, sparking various comments, both scientific and non-scientific.
“We need to understand and address the other side of exercise, which requires careful attention to ensure that everyone can fully benefit from exercise as one of the pillars of health,” she said.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie