Most Americans do not move enough. The good news is that regular physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. Reaping the rewards of good fitness doesn’t require long, tough workouts.
Even 20 or 30 minutes a day a few times a week can result in noticeable improvements in your health. Can’t fit regular workouts into your schedule? Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further from the entrance. Play outside with your kids. Exercise doesn’t have to just be time in a gym.
It’s never too late. Exercise benefits all in many ways, so get moving and start reaping the rewards exercise has to offer. Remember to consult your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.
Exercise can make you feel happier
Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety.
As you work out, your body releases natural endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and boost your energy. Regular workouts also lead to your body releasing serotonin, which can reduce depression and anxiety.
Exercise can help with weight loss
Losing weight happens when your body burns more calories than you eat. Eating less helps by giving your body fewer calories, and exercising helps by burning more calories. Both of these methods can help you lose weight, but using both together can give you even more benefits than just seeing a lower number on the scale. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what mix of eating and exercise is best to reach your health goals.
Better functioning of the heart
Your heart is a muscle, just like the other muscles in your body. It can become stronger or weaker depending on how much you exercise it. People often forget to think about their heart’s strength because they believe it’s strong enough if it’s still beating.
By doing regular workouts, you can help make your heart stronger. A stronger heart can lead to lower blood pressure, better blood flow, improved oxygen delivery to your other muscles, and even a reduced risk of heart disease. Your doctor can help you understand how healthy your heart is and how to take good care of it.
Decreased Risk of Diseases
Regular medium-effort workouts can help you boost your immune system. Improving the immune system is another often overlooked benefit of regular exercise, but that doesn’t mean it is any less real. Studies have shown the benefits of exercise can be linked to increased cell circulation and can even decrease inflammation in some cases.
The overall function of the body’s systems, including the immune system, respond well to consistent medium-level exercise.
Increased Brain Power
Exercise can make your brain healthier. When you exercise, your brain gets more blood, which means it gets more oxygen and nutrients. This can help improve your memory and thinking skills. Exercise also helps the brain make new connections and can even help it grow areas that are important for learning. Plus, many people feel less stressed and anxious after exercising and often feel more confident and happier.
The bottom line
Exercising gives you many benefits that can make your health and body better. Being fit is not just about how you look or what you weigh. It’s about keeping your whole body healthy. You should talk to your doctor to find a workout plan that can help you get fitter and healthier.
