Benefits of exercise
Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does regular exercise help to maintain overall fitness and manage weight loss, it can lower the risk of many life-threatening conditions.
People who exercise regularly are likely to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. In fact, studies have shown that being physically unfit is just as dangerous as smoking in terms of lowering life expectancy.
Regular exercise can also benefit mental and emotional wellbeing. The chemicals and hormones that are released in the brain through exercise combat stress and promote happiness.
With so many health benefits, it is not hard to see why people are encouraged to exercise. However, many people think exercise is too expensive or simply takes up too much time. In reality, as little as half an hour of moderate activity every day, such as brisk walking, can be enough to improve health and fitness. There are many different ways to exercise and it is possible to find something to suit any kind of lifestyle.
But the benefits of regular exercise go far beyond losing weight. Exercise can do you good in more ways than you might think:
Exercise lowers your risk of heart disease
Your heart is a muscle and, like any other muscle, it needs regular exercise in order for it to pump blood around your body efficiently. Research has shown that people who have a physically active lifestyle are at approximately half the risk of heart disease as those who do not.
Exercise lowers your risk of many other major health conditions
Regular exercise can lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol level, as well as reducing the risks of stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis (thinning bones) and many types of cancer. It can also improve your digestion and posture and help with insomnia (trouble sleeping).
Exercise helps you manage your weight
It almost goes without saying that exercise burns calories which makes you lose weight. If you are overweight, exercise will help you achieve your ideal weight. If you are already at your ideal weight, exercise will help you maintain it.
Exercise can help you live longer
As exercise improves your overall fitness, and reduces your risk of developing many major diseases, regular physical activity can greatly improve your life expectancy. It can also give you a better quality of life in your later years by helping you stay active and social.
Exercise improves your mood
Exercise stimulates a chemical in your brain called serotonin which makes you feel happier and less stressed. Regular exercise can even help with the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Exercise provides natural pain relief
Being physically active triggers the release of endorphins, which are anti-stress hormones that block pain signals in your brain. As a result, exercise can help to alleviate complaints such as back pain and menstrual cramps.
Exercise can improve your confidence
When you exercise regularly, your muscle definition is improved and your body fat is reduced. Even your skin is improved as more oxygen is delivered to your body tissue. All this can help to make you feel better about your appearance and improve your self confidence.
Exercise can improve your sex life
Exercise can energise you and make you look and feel better, all of which can give you a better sex life. It also improves circulation which can mean sex is more satisfying. Research has shown that men who exercise regularly are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those who do not, particularly in later life.