Do you want to feel better, have more energy, and maybe live longer? Just get some workout.
Regular exercise and physical activity provide numerous health benefits. Exercising is beneficial to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability.
Do you need more persuasion to get moving? Take a look at these seven ways exercise might make you happier and healthier.
1. Exercise controls weight
Exercising can help you avoid gaining weight or keep it off once you’ve lost it. You burn calories when you participate in physical exercise. The higher the intensity of your activity, the more calories you will burn.
Regular gym visits are beneficial but don’t fret if you don’t have the time to work out every day. Any level of exercise is preferable to none.
Simply become more active throughout your day—use the stairs instead of the elevator, or increase your home tasks—to gain the benefits of exercise. The importance of consistency cannot be overstated.
2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Are you concerned about heart disease? Do you want to avoid high blood pressure? Being active increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, and lowers harmful triglycerides, regardless of your current weight.
This two-pronged attack keeps your blood flowing freely, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Regular exercise can help you avoid or manage a variety of health issues, including:
- Stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
- Falls
- It can also help improve cognitive function and lower the risk of death from all causes.
3. Exercise improves mood
Do you require an emotional boost? Or maybe you just need to let off some steam after a long day? A workout at the gym or a brisk walk can assist. Physical activity releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier, more relaxed, and less nervous.
When you exercise consistently, you may feel better about yourself and your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
4. Exercise boosts energy
Are you exhausted from grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can help you strengthen your muscles and increase your endurance.
Exercise helps your cardiovascular system perform more efficiently by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. You’ll have more energy to tackle daily duties as your heart and lung health improves.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep
Have trouble sleeping? Regular physical activity can assist you in falling asleep sooner, sleeping better, and sleeping deeper. Just avoid exercising too close to bedtime if you don’t want to be too stimulated to sleep.
6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Do you find it difficult to enjoy physical closeness because you’re fatigued or out of shape? Regular physical activity can enrich your sex life by increasing your energy levels and increasing your confidence in your physical attractiveness.
However, there’s more to it than that. Women’s arousal levels may be boosted by regular physical activity. Guys who exercise regularly are also less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than men who do not.
7. Exercise can be fun … and social!
Physical activity and exercise can be joyful. They allow you to relax, enjoy the outdoors, or simply partake in activities that bring you delight. In a fun social context, physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends.
To enroll in a dance class, go trekking, or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and do it often. Bored? Try something new, or get together with friends or family to do something fun.
The bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health, and have fun. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends:
At least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity.
The guidelines suggest that you spread this exercise throughout the week. Examples include running, walking, or swimming.
Even small amounts of physical activity are helpful, and accumulated activity throughout the day adds up to provide health benefits.
Strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. Examples include lifting free weights, using weight machines, or doing body-weight training.
Distribute your activities over the course of the week.
You may need to increase your moderate aerobic activity to 300 minutes or more per week if you wish to lose weight, fulfill specific fitness objectives, or gain even more benefits.
Before beginning a new exercise program, consult your doctor, especially if you have any worries about your fitness, haven’t exercised in a long time, or have chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis.