We all know exercise is good for the body. Your doctor probably preaches it all the time. Possibly, you’ve been told start exercising. However, what you probably haven’t been told is just what your body actually benefits from running, yoga, dancing, swimming, stretching and lifting weights.
Well, that’s because there is more to physical activity than losing weight, having six packs and looking like a supermodel. While there is nothing wrong in reaching some of those physical qualities – they are indeed some of the benefits of exercising – the benefits go deeper than that. Exercise is has something to do with your sleep, memory, energy levels, mood and so many too numerous to mention.
If you have been meaning to start exercising but just haven’t found the right incentives to do so, our list might just be the last push you’ll to join the exercise bandwagon!
1. Exercise keeps your weight in check!
Many common metabolic disorders are linked to excessive weight (obesity). Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,andstroke are just a few of them. One of the best ways to control your weight is by engaging in physical exercise, combining it with proper dieting.
The more strenuous the physical activity is, the calories you’ll burn. The more time you spend at exercising, the fitter you’ll become. However, a one-off heavy session will not do the trick. Consistency is the key to keeping your weight in check.
2. Exercise increases your energy levels:
Feeling tired after a doing light work? That’s because you’rekeeping your muscles and systems unprepared by not exercising regularly. Regular Physical activity boosts your stamina by facilitating efficient oxygen delivery to body cells. Exercise also helps your heart and lungs function properly, improving overall energy supply to all parts of the body
3. Exercise can help you sleep better:
Sleep is very important, as it affects the body’s metabolic processes positively or negatively depending on how much sleep one gets at night. Also, the quality of sleep can be enhanced by exercising, as the energy expended exercising during the day stimulates energy restoration efforts during sleep. Also, physical activities during the day raise the body temperature, but this also helps the body during sleep as the temperature drops.
4. The more exercise you do, the happier you’ll become!
Exercise helps your mood considerably. It has also been known to reduce thefeeling of depression, stress,and anxiety. Exercise has a positive influence on the brain, stimulating the secretion of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, which helps in reducing the feeling of depression and boost positive moods.
5. Reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Many chronic conditions are linked to lack of physical activity. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular complications are some of the metabolic disorders that can be managed by drastic lifestyle changes and regular physical exercise.Regular exercise has been found to improve the sensitivity of the body cells insulin, enabling more blood glucose to be used for energy, thereby reducing high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
Exercise promises a lot of benefits. However, the effects can only be felt if a regular exercise program is maintained. Set aside 20 minutes each day to workout. What physical activity you decide to do matters little for now. It can be biking, jogging, swimming or a variety of exercises, what matters is consistency. You can also chip in some more exercise when the opportunity presents itself, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to the grocery store instead of taking a cab. The key is to start small and then gradually increase the time and effort expended during exercise so you don’t get burned out after only a few sessions.
