Regular physical activity not only feels good, but it may also prevent a variety of diseases. Medical experts recommend that adults receive 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least five days a week, as well as a few sessions of weight training and stretching, advises the American Heart Association. For maximum results, combine regular exercise with a well-balanced diet.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The American Heart Association lists inactivity as one of the leading contributing factors in the development of heart disease. Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease by increasing good cholesterol levels in the blood, decreasing blood pressure and improving triglyceride counts. It may also decrease the risks of having a stroke. If you have a heart condition, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program, and always monitor your heart rate during exercise.
Bone Health
Regular exercise improves bone mass and decreases the chances of developing osteoporosis. When you age, your bones may lose density, which leads to bone-related diseases. Exercise is also beneficial for osteoporosis patients and helps prevent injury from falling or bone fractures. According to the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center, weight-bearing exercise like jogging, walking, weightlifting and stair climbing are the best ways to prevent bone disease.
Mental Health
Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on patients with depression and anxiety. Regular workouts prevent symptoms of these mental conditions and improve overall feelings of well-being. Researchers continue to investigate whether regular exercise can prevent the onset of mental conditions like depression and even Alzheimer's Disease. In a 2005 University of California, Irvine, study that was published in "The Journal of Neuroscience," physical activity was shown to decrease the level of protein fragments in the brain, which may either slow the onset or aid in the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, reports the National Institutes of Health News.
Weight Control
In order to maintain a healthy weight, you must balance the amount of calories you consume and the amount of calories you burn. Exercise burns calories and helps to maintain or lose weight. For this reason, regular exercise prevents people from becoming overweight or obese. It also decreases the likelihood of developing health conditions that are often related to obesity, such as diabetes, breathing problems, sleep apnea, asthma, osteoarthritis, hypertension and certain kinds of cancer.
References
- American Heart Association: Physical Activity
- National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: Exercise for Your Bone Health
- National Institutes of Health News: Exercise Slows Development of Alzheimer's-Like Brain Changes in Mice, New Study Finds
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Physical Activity Fundamental to Preventing Disease
