Do you want to feel better, be more energetic and live longer? Exercise!
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are irrefutable. Everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or sex benefits from exercise.
Need more motivation? See below.
1. Weight Control
Exercise helps prevent excess weight gain and helps maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense your activity, the more calories are burned. (1)
Regular trips to the gym are great! But don’t worry if you can’t find the time. Any amount of activity is better than none. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or do more household chores. The key is being consistent.
2. Combats Conditions and Diseases
Worried about your heart? Blood pressure? Regardless of your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol. This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular exercise can help prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, such as:
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
It can also help improve cognitive function and can help to lower the risk of death from all causes. (2)
3. Better Mood
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity releases brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less stressed out.
You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, and may boost your confidence and self-esteem.
4. More Energy
Winded walking up a flight of stairs? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and increase your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work better. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to be productive. (3)
5. Better Sleep
Struggling to catch some Zs? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to going to sleep!
6. Recharged Sex Life
Too tired to be intimate? Regular physical activity can improve your energy and confidence about how you look physically.
But wait, there’s more! Regular physical activity may enhance your arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men who don’t.
7. It Can Be A Way To Be More Social
Exercise can be fun! It gives you a chance to unwind, go outside, and engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. (4)
So go to the gym, hit the hiking trails or join a sports team. Find one you enjoy, and just do it. Try something new, or do something with friends or family.
Bottom Line
Exercise is a great way to feel better, improve your health, and have fun. You will find some common ground to strengthen your relationships with those you love. It is a relatively small investment for the high reward that you get in so many areas. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, is beneficial to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. And it is important that everyone gets active: over the last 20 years, there’s been a significant increase in obesity in the United States.” (5)
Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness, haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis.
References
- Mayo Clinic, “Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activityMayo Clinic, ” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
- TeensHealth, “Why Exercise Is Wise,” https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/exercise-wise.html
- Psychology Today, “19 Reasons to Exercise,” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201205/19-reasons-exercise
- Elite Daily, “6 Reasons You Should Go To The Gym Today Even If It’s The Last Thing You Want To Do,” https://www.elitedaily.com/life/6-reasons-go-gym-today-even-really-really-dont-feel-like/641931
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Physical Activity & Obesity,” https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/importance-of-physical-activity/index.html