You know exercise
is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to
Want to feel better, have more energy and
perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of
regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of
exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical
ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out these seven ways exercise
can improve your life.
No.
1: Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain
or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn
calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't
need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss
benefits. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day
in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up
your household chores.
No.
2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to
prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active
boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and
decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing
smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact,
regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health
problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes,
depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
No.
3: Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off
some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute
walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may
leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your
appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your
confidence and improve your self-esteem.
No.
4: Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household
chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost
your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to
your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And
when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go
about your daily chores
No.
5: Exercise promotes better sleep
Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep?
Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your
sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to
fall asleep.
No.
6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to
enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling
energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex
life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to
enhanced arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to
have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.
No.
7: Exercise can be fun
Exercise and physical activity can be a fun
way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply
engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you
connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class,
hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you
enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.
The
bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great
way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim
for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose
weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember
to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if
you haven't exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as
heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.
