Exercise for Prostate Health

By HelloLife

"The greatest wealth is health." -Virgil, Classical Roman Poet, 70-19 BCE

Prostate health is a big concern for many men during the aging process. An enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can develop unexpectedly, bringing a variety of painful symptoms. In order to protect your body from prostate problems in the future, doctors recommend staying healthy to ensure that it will be strong enough to combat any signs of illness. Combined with a balanced diet, exercise is a major part of the protection efforts.

Prostate Health and Obesity

Exercise can provide countless benefits in all aspects of life, from increased energy to looking and feeling younger. It is constantly at the forefront of a proactive lifestyle and helps people live longer with less stress or anxiety. But how exactly does exercise assist the body in maintaining optimal prostate health? Similarly to many other diseases, prostate cancer risk is increased by obesity. Excessive amounts of fat encourage cancerous process cells, making it much easier for them to grow. In overweight or obese people, many of the body functions are slowed down or diminished, and unable to guard against the threat of attack from these cells. However, it becomes much more difficult for the cancerous cells to spread in the absence of fat. Therefore, staying at a weight that is proportionate to your height and body type is very beneficial.

Prostate Health and Glucose

In addition to fat, high glucose levels in the bloodstream have been reported to assist cancerous cells as well. When the oxygen flow to the body's soft tissues is raised, the glucose levels become stabilized to a normal level. One of the best ways to improve the overall flow of oxygen is to exercise regularly. The consistency of physical activity ensures the efficiency of blood flow and promotes a healthier cardiovascular system.

Which Exercises Work Best for Prostate Health?

Movements that target the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, and calves are all essential in good prostate health. Fortunately, there are exercises that work those areas all at once, including squats and lunges.

Squats

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward.

As the exercise begins, slowly bend down to your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor.

Be sure to keep your back straight the entire time, and return to the starting position in a controlled manner.

For added resistance, place a barbell behind your neck and across your shoulders.

Lunges

Follow the same basic principles as squats, but take a slow step forward with one leg as you bend down.

Lunges can be performed without weights, holding dumbbells, or balancing a barbell across the back of your shoulders.

In both squats and lunges, it is extremely important to stay balanced by making sure that your knees never go past your toes. Other exercises that support prostate health are those that reduce or eliminate fat. These include, but are not limited to, push-ups, crunches, and leg lifts. Cardio is an excellent way to burn calories, and you can choose from several easy exercises. Walking, running, aerobics, and bicycle riding are all forms of cardio and can be done for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, four to five times a week. Consult with your physician for a specific diet and exercise program that will represent your individual fitness needs and best support your prostate health.

Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043/DSECTION=risk-factors

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043/DSECTION=prevention

http://www.harvardprostateknowledge.org/node/31

http://www.prostate-cancer.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-overview/overview-prevention.html