Regular physical activity is essential not only for maintaining good health, but also for optimising results in aesthetic medicine. In an aesthetic medical centre with its own gym, integrating physical exercise into patients’ treatment plans can have profound and lasting benefits. Here’s why it is strongly recommended to engage in physical activity and sports.
To improve blood circulation and skin health
Physical exercise increases blood circulation, which improves oxygenation and nutrition of tissues, including the skin. This helps improve skin radiance and can speed up the healing process after cosmetic procedures. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that regular exercise promotes skin regeneration and can reduce the signs of skin ageing.
To reduce inflammation in the body
Exercise reduces inflammation levels in the body. Lower inflammation is beneficial, especially after surgery or non-invasive cosmetic procedures, as it can shorten recovery time and improve cosmetic results. A 2017 study in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity showed that 20 minutes of moderate exercise can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
To improve muscle tone and body shape
Muscle strengthening and improved body texture are direct benefits of physical activity. These aspects are particularly relevant in an aesthetic context, as they complement treatments aimed at reshaping and firming the body. Exercise helps to sculpt the treated areas and maintain the results of procedures such as liposuction in cosmetic surgery and cryolipolysis and lipocavitation in aesthetic medicine.
To combat muscle loss and sarcopenia
With age, progressive muscle loss can develop into sarcopenia, a condition characterised by a significant decrease in muscle mass and strength. Exercise, particularly weight training, is essential to counteract this trend. It stimulates muscle protein synthesis, thereby promoting the maintenance or increase of muscle mass. Studies show that older adults who regularly engage in resistance training can not only prevent sarcopenia but also reverse its effects, thereby maintaining greater motor autonomy with less risk of falling as they age.
To increase self-esteem and psychological wellbeing
The psychological benefits of exercise are well documented, including reduced stress, anxiety, and improved mood. This overall well-being is essential, as a positive psychological state can significantly influence patient satisfaction with cosmetic treatments. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, regular physical activity and exercise are strongly linked to improved body image.
To control your weight
Further research highlights that physical activity, particularly a combination of cardiovascular and resistance exercise, can increase basal metabolic rate, which helps burn more calories even at rest. A 2012 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that individuals who combined diet and exercise were better able to regulate their metabolism compared to those who focused solely on diet.
To maintain your weight after a diet or long-term dietary rebalancing
Physical activity and sports play a crucial role not only in weight loss, but also in preventing weight regain. Here are specific study results that demonstrate the effectiveness of exercise in these contexts.
A 2010 study published in Obesity followed 197 overweight adults who lost at least 10% of their initial body weight. The study found that those who participated in at least 200 minutes of moderate physical activity per week were significantly more likely to maintain their weight loss over an 18-month period. This group managed to maintain an average weight loss of 13 kg, compared to 6 kg for those who did not exercise regularly.
Incorporating physical exercise into an aesthetic medicine treatment programme is not just a complement to other treatments, it is an integral part of long-term success.
Maintaining your weight during the menopause
Menopause is often associated with weight gain, partly due to hormonal changes that can affect fat distribution and metabolism. A significant study published in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society examined the effects of exercise on weight gain in menopausal women. The results indicate that women who participated in regular aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week were less likely to gain weight, despite the hormonal changes associated with menopause.
To improve your sleep
Sleep plays a fundamental role in overall health and well-being, influencing everything from physical recovery to mental health. Physical activity is recognised for its benefits on sleep quality. Here is data from clinical studies that highlights how exercise can improve sleep.
A major 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine examined the impact of regular exercise on sleep in adults with insomnia. Participants who engaged in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week saw a significant improvement in their sleep quality, as measured by longer sleep duration and reduced time to fall asleep. In addition, they reported a decrease in insomnia symptoms.
Sleep apnoea, a condition characterised by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, can be alleviated by regular physical activity tailored to each individual. A 2015 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that patients with moderate to severe sleep apnoea who participated in a regular exercise programme experienced a noticeable reduction in apnoea symptoms, including a decrease in the number of breathing pauses during the night.
Deep sleep, or slow-wave sleep, is crucial for physical and mental recovery. Research has shown that regular exercise can increase the proportion of deep sleep. A 2017 study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews concluded that participants who engaged in regular exercise benefited from an increase in deep sleep, which is essential for tissue repair and memory consolidation and therefore much better health.
Physical activity also influences hormone regulation, including melatonin, the sleep hormone. A 2014 study in the Journal of Pineal Research showed that people who exercised in natural light had higher melatonin levels in the evening, making it easier to fall asleep and improving sleep quality.
These clinical studies illustrate that regular exercise is an effective way to improve the quality and quantity of sleep.
To prevent chronic diseases
Regular exercise is widely recommended as a preventive measure against many chronic diseases. Scientific evidence strongly supports this recommendation, showing beneficial effects on the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer.
One of the most studied chronic diseases in relation to exercise is type 2 diabetes. An influential meta-analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined the effects of physical activity on the risk of developing diabetes. The researchers found that a combination of resistance and aerobic activity significantly lowers the risk of diabetes in high-risk individuals, with a reduction in risk of up to 40%.
Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and heart failure, can also be prevented by regular exercise. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology followed more than 33,000 men and women over 14 years and found that those who engaged in regular physical activity had a 35% reduced risk of death from heart disease compared to those who did not exercise regularly.
Physical exercise has also been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers. According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Researchers found that regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by 16% and breast cancer by 10%.
Research into chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), shows that exercise can improve lung function and quality of life. A 2016 study in Thorax found that COPD patients who exercised regularly had better breathing capacity and fewer symptoms than those who were less active.
To reduce inflammation
An influential study published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity showed that even a single episode of moderate exercise can induce an immediate anti-inflammatory response. The study measured levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α, before and after exercise in healthy participants. The results revealed a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines after exercise, indicating a reduction in inflammatory activity.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association studied the long-term effects of regular exercise on inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), in older adults. After a 12-week exercise programme, participants showed a significant decrease in CRP, suggesting that regular exercise may play a preventive role against chronic inflammation.
The benefits of physical activity also extend to individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease. A study in Arthritis Research & Therapy observed that rheumatoid arthritis patients who regularly participated in gentle exercise sessions had reduced levels of inflammatory biomarkers and improved disease symptoms.
To limit oxidative stress
Oxidative stress, which is closely linked to inflammation, can also be modulated by exercise. Research published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine has shown that regular exercise increases the body’s antioxidant capacity and decreases the production of free radicals, thereby helping to reduce inflammation and ageing in the body and skin.
In conclusion
These studies confirm that physical exercise can significantly reduce inflammation levels in the body, offering preventive and therapeutic benefits against various inflammatory and chronic diseases. Regularly incorporating physical activity into a healthy lifestyle is therefore essential for overall health and well-being, reinforcing the importance of facilities such as gyms in aesthetic medicine centres to encourage an active lifestyle among patients. These studies demonstrate that regular physical exercise is essential not only for weight loss, but also for maintaining that loss in the long term. For patients at aesthetic medicine centres, incorporating a personalised exercise routine can greatly improve the chances of maintaining the benefits of a diet and effectively managing weight fluctuations during the menopause. Thus, the integrated gym offers a substantial advantage in supporting patients in their quest for lasting well-being and aesthetics. Integrating physical activity into your aesthetic care routine is not only a matter of beauty, but also of overall health. At our aesthetic medicine centre, we make it a point of honour to combine the best in aesthetic care with the proven benefits of healthy exercise. With a fully equipped gym and experienced sports coaches, we offer our clients a complete experience that goes far beyond traditional treatments.
Regular exercise at our centre, under the guidance of qualified coaches, not only allows you to sculpt your body and improve your skin’s elasticity, but also enhances the results of your aesthetic medicine treatments. A personalised exercise programme can increase the effectiveness of treatments by stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation and accelerating skin regeneration, contributing to a rejuvenated and dynamic appearance.
We invite you to discover how a tailored exercise programme can transform your approach to health and beauty. Make an appointment today for a personalised assessment and begin your journey towards total well-being, where sport and health work hand in hand to bring out the best in you. Join us to experience the perfect synergy between sport, health and aesthetics, and see for yourself how exercise can not only improve your appearance, but also enrich your life.
Bibliography:
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Annals of Internal Medicine,
« Effect of Exercise Intervention on Long-Term Modification of Diabetes Risk » (meta-analysis). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Reduction in Cardiovascular Diseases
Journal of the American College of Cardiology,
« Physical Activity and Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: Long-term Follow-up of a Large Cohort Study » (14-year cohort study). Specific details of the article not provided in the original text.
Impact on Cancer Prevention
JAMA Internal Medicine,
« Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults » (study of 1.44 million adults). Specific details of the article not provided in the original text.
Effects on Chronic Lung Diseases
Thorax,
« Exercise and Respiratory Health in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease » (2016 study). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Reduction of Inflammation
Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity,
« Exercise and circulating cytokine levels » (study on the immediate impact of exercise on inflammatory cytokines). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Journal of the American Heart Association,
« Effect of Exercise on Inflammatory Profile of Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses » (meta-analysis and systematic review). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Arthritis Research & Therapy,
« Physical Activity and Reduction of Inflammatory Markers in Rheumatoid Arthritis » (study on physical activity and rheumatoid arthritis). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Free Radical Biology and Medicine,
« Impact of Regular Physical Activity on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation » (study on oxidative stress and physical activity). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Improving Sleep Quality
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine,
« Exercise and Its Effects on Sleep in Postmenopausal Women » (2013 study on exercise and sleep). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
« Physical Activity Reduces Apnoea Severity » (2015 study on sleep apnoea). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Sleep Medicine Reviews,
« Regular Exercise Increases Deep Sleep » (2017 review on exercise and deep sleep). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
Journal of Pineal Research,
« Exercise and Melatonin Levels in Humans » (2014 study on exercise and melatonin). Specific details of the article are not provided in the original text.
These references provide a solid foundation for further research into the benefits of physical activity in various health contexts. For complete information, including authors, year, and publication details, I recommend searching for these titles in an academic database or university library.
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