You know exercise is good for everybody, but do you know how good? The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And these benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex, or physical ability. Physical activity can improve your life, from boosting your mood to even improving your sex life.
No. 1: Control Your Weight
Exercise can either 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.
No. 2: Combat Health Conditions and Diseases
Regular physical activity can help you manage or prevent a broad range of health problems and concerns including stroke, depression, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
No. 3: Improve Your Mood
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. It makes you also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. A brisk 30-minute walk or a workout at the gym can help.
No. 4: Boost Your Energy
Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. This leads to improvements in your muscle strength and boosts to your endurance level.
No. 5: Get Better Sleep
Regular physical activity can also help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Note: Don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.
No. 6: Puts the Spark Back into Your Sex Life
Exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. It can lead to enhanced arousal for women. Also, men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than men who don’t exercise.
No. 7: Have Fun
Physical activity can be a fun way to spend your time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, or simply engage in activities that make you happy. It 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.
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 other concerns.
