Exercise: 7 benefits of
regular physical activity
You know exercise is good for
you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex
life, find out how exercise can improve your life.
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.
