There is no question that there are tremendous benefits to exercise. Not only does exercise help you lose weight and stay in shape, physical activity can be a mood enhancer and lead to better sleeping habits. The American Heart Association recommends exercising most days of the week, but starting with moderate-level activities and working up to higher intensity activity.
Before beginning an exercise regimen, talk with your physician.
Cardiovascular Health
Your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart, benefits greatly from regular exercise. Exercise benefits the heart by making it stronger, which in turn enables it to pump more blood through your body with less strain. By working less to pump blood, your heart will stay fit and healthy longer.
Researchers at the University of Maryland suggest that exercise can even reverse some risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol levels and inflamed arteries. Healthier arteries allow better blood flow into and out of the heart and throughout the body.
Glucose Levels
In addition to helping ward off heart disease, exercise helps reduce the chance of diabetes and manage symptoms that diabetics experience. The American Diabetes Association advises that exercising reduces blood glucose levels. Increased blood glucose levels can lead to diabetes. Exercise also allows more insulin to attach to your cell's insulin receptors. This helps cells absorb glucose more easily reducing the level of glucose in the blood.
Psycholigcal State
When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins that can help relieve depression. These endorphins are natural mood enhancers. They can help you feel happier for the short-term and may even help deter long-term depression. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that exercise is a distraction from negative thoughts that can lead to depression and anxiety.
By exercising you can also gain self-confidence putting you in a better state of mind. As you accomplish your goals you will feel pride in your accomplishments and feel more confident in your physical appearance.
Pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy can help strengthen muscles that support the back, advises the American Pregnancy Association. This, in turn, lessens back pain throughout pregnancy. Exercise during pregnancy also helps improve blood circulation. Better blood circulation lessens the chance of hemorrhoids, constipation and leg cramps. The APA also recommends exercise for most pregnant women as a way of strengthening muscles and boosting endurance. With additional muscle strength and endurance, pregnant women feel more energetic.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise - Exercise's Effects on the Heart
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms
- American Pregancy Association: Effects of Exercise on Pregnancy
- American Diabetes Association: Exercise Benefits: New Research Evidence
- American Heart Association: Tips for Exercise Success
