You hear about the wonderful lifetime benefits of exercise and how fantastic exercising can be for your overall health. The numerous health advantages of exercises are difficult to ignore, because exercise can improve everything from your stress level to your chronic diseases. Exercise can benefit you regardless of your ability, age or gender. Any amount of exercise is beneficial and better than being sedentary.
Chronic Diseases
Decreasing the risk of chronic disease with exercise benefits a lifetime of wellness. Regular exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Managing blood pressure and cholesterol can also be maintained with exercise. Boosting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) the "good" cholesterol will be boosted with regular physical activity while triglycerides are decreased. According to the Mayo Clinic, increasing HDLs while decreasing triglycerides allows blood to flow smoothly by lowering plaque buildup in arteries. Heart disease and strokes can also be warded off with exercise.
Weight Management
One of the best ways to lose extra weight is by exercising. Extra weight can take years off your life since it makes your organs work harder and puts stress on joints. When engaging in exercise, calories are burned which leads to weight management or weight loss. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. Small steps can add up to a healthy body weight which is essential for lifetime fitness. Accumulated activity throughout the day and simple steps, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or simply parking farther away, will all add up.
Energy
Feeling better and being more energetic can add positive benefits to your daily activity. Oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues within your body while you exercise. Your cardiovascular system is benefited with exercise, because the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels works more effectively. As your lungs and heart work more efficiently together, it will allow for more energy and help you achieve what you love doing.
Better Sleep
Increasing physical activity during the day allows for better sleep whether you are trying to fall asleep or trying to stay asleep. Your concentration, productivity and mood will all be improved by a good night's sleep. The key to better sleep is exercise. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and have a deeper night's sleep. Exercising earlier in the day is better, because exercising too close to bedtime can energize you.
Psychological Benefits
Regular exercise helps boost self-esteem and provide positive psychological benefits. While exercising, your body releases endorphins, chemicals that improve your mood and make you feel better about yourself. Exercise helps ease stress and wards off depression and anxiety. Being physically fit will also help you look better which, in turn, makes you feel better.
References
- Mayo Clinic
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals;" 3rd Edition; Cedric X. Bryant, Daniel J. Green, (eds); 2003
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