Physiological Effects Of Exercise On Body

Although diet and exercise are the standard ingredients of weight loss, the effects of exercise on the human body go far beyond simply shedding a few pounds. Often called "the best medicine," the physiological effects of exercise range from an increase in overall energy levels to a decrease in death from many chronic diseases.

Circulatory System

Exercise has a profound effect on your heart, blood and other parts of your circulatory system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, exercise increases the strength of your heart, allowing it to work harder with less exertion. Because your heart pumps more efficiently, your resting heart rate will be lower with regular exercise, and your risk of heart disease decreases dramatically.

Regular exercise helps keep arteries flexible, which can lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for coronary artery disease, also known as hardening of the arteries. Exercise can also help remove harmful cholesterol from the blood.

Respiratory System

According to the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago, exercise increases the amount of oxygen your lungs can process, which increases the amount of oxygen that is available to the rest of your body. During rigorous exercise, your muscles may require up to 15 times the normal amount of oxygen. When you engage in regular exercise, your lungs are able to deliver more oxygen when you need it.

Musculo-Skeletal System

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, bone is living tissue that can benefit from weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, tennis and dancing. When weight is brought to bear on the skeleton, it increases bone mass, which can prevent breakage. Because muscles and bones work together during exercise, balance, muscle tone and muscle mass are improved, which can lead to fewer falls. When your bones and muscles are strong, you are less prone to breaking a bone if you do have an injury.

Endocrine System

Exercise can affect your endocrine system by regulating hormones and other chemicals in your body. Regular exercise can improve blood glucose levels by regulating insulin and thyroid hormones. According to an article published in the 2005 "Neuroendocrinology Letters" journal, exercising at 70 percent of your maximum heart rate can produce prominent changes in your thyroid levels, causing some hormones to rise while others fall.

Exercise can also increase your level of testosterone, a sex hormone found in both men and women.

Other Physiological Effects

Exercise affects every system of the body. It can increase your metabolic rate, energy levels, brain chemicals, digestion, immunity and lymphatic drainage.