The public paradigm that views physical activity solely as an effort to lose weight or achieve an ideal body shape still needs to be corrected. Dr. Gia Pratama, in an in-depth discussion, highlighted that this mindset actually leads many people to overlook the primary essence of exercise as the foundation of overall health.
According to Dr. Gia, exercise offers a much broader range of benefits than physical aesthetics alone. Consistent physical activity is proven effective in maintaining heart health, strengthening muscle and bone structures, and boosting the immune system. Furthermore, exercise acts as early protection against the risk of various chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders.
In an analogy he shared, Dr. Gia compared exercise to a 'magic pill' with multiple benefits. If the benefits offered by exercise could be packaged into a pill, he believes it would become the most valuable commodity in the world due to its ability to improve sleep quality, maintain mood stability, and preserve psychological well-being.
Therefore, Dr. Gia encourages the public to move away from their obsession with scale numbers and shift toward building an active lifestyle as an investment. Considering that health is a long-term process that cannot be achieved instantly, he emphasized that consistency is key. Exercise performed according to body capacity will become a valuable savings account to ensure optimal quality of life well into old age.
