benefits of regular physical activity
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 ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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