We all know that exercise is good for us… Personally, I know first hand that exercise can improve my mood, personality, body, mind and spirit. I have worked out with trainers and several friends over the years in yoga classes and in the gym and so many have shared similar sentiments.
It was refreshing to read the following article from the great minds over at the Mayo Clinic, Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. In the article, they list the following key benefits of exercise:
- Exercise helps to control weight
- Exercise helps to combat diseases and health conditions
- Exercise helps to improve mood swings
- Exercise helps to boost energy
- Exercise helps to promotes a good nights sleep
- Exercise can put a spark into romantic life
- Exercise can be fun and enjoyable
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? 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 overall skinny on why exercise is so important to your health:
We all know that when you exercise and do physical activity, you are getting health benefits that can help you live longer and feel great. Research and studies show that we should all do a minimum of 30 minutes in physical activity each day. If losing weight is your goal, then you need to increase this amount to at least 60 minutes or more. It is essential and wise for you to check with your doctor before you start any new exercise program, to ensure that you will be doing the right things to improve your current health. If you have serious health problems, this is even more critical for you to check with your doctor and to share the new exercise program you plan on starting.
Fitness is key, but also common sense must go hand in hand with any new fitness program.