Benefits to Exercise

The relation between exercise and weight loss is one of the most talked about benefits to exercise. So much so, that many people are not aware of the numerous other exercise health benefits.

Did you know that exercise may provide anti aging protection, and has been found to increase mental awareness?

How about exercise as a natural insomnia cure? Or, as a way to reduce pain brought on by various diseases?

The list goes on and on, for both the
physical AND the psychological benefits to exercise.

Benefits of Physical Exercise

Because each of us reacts differently to exercise, what is effective for one person, may not work as well for another.

However, through much research it has been found that a majority of people will experience many of the benefits to exercise.  

Benefits that include...

Cholesterol management - Regular exercise can be an effective way to manage cholesterol, as exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - the "good" cholesterol, while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This helps lower the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thus allowing the blood to flow more evenly.

Lower blood pressure - With exercise, the heart muscle and cardiovascular system become more efficient. This efficiency helps reduce the pressure needed to pump blood throughout the body.

Cancer and type 2 diabetes prevention - According to Mayo Clinic, exercise can help prevent certain types of cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes.

Osteoporosis prevention - Weight bearing, flexibility and resistance exercises have been shown to help maintain bone mass and fight the osteoporosis which affects many aging adults.

Anxiety, depression and stress reduction - Physical exertion causes the body to release endorphins, which are a chemical substance that can increase a sense of well-being and improve self-esteem.

Reduce fatigue and boost energy - With exercise, the flow of blood and oxygen increases. As a result, energy levels will typically begin to improve.

You may also be interested in:
Benefits of Daily Exercise, Motivation to Exercise

Increase in alertness and memory - Studies have found that people who exercise often have a greater capacity to perform mental functions. In particular, cognitive behavior has been found to improve in older adults who exercise.

Pain reduction - Many people who exercise, including those with arthritis, report that they feel less muscle and joint pain, including reduced...

• back pain
• hip pain
• neck and shoulder pain, and
• leg pain

Greater agility and mobility - Exercises such as yoga, Pilates and swimming, which focus on stretching movements, help increase range of motion, stability, coordination and balance.

Natural Insomnia Cure - The physical stress placed on the body during exercise, as well as the reduction in muscle tension and the release of endorphins, a "feel good" chemical substance, all contribute to helping attain sleep more easily.

Help with weight loss - Physical activity increases the amount of energy exerted, thus burning calories and making it easier to control weight.

Improved muscle tone - Regular exercise will begin to improve the elasticity in muscles making them more defined and toned, while muscle strength will also begin to improve.

Better posture - Physical activity makes us more aware of our body. Through this awareness, and improved muscle tone, correct standing and sitting posture occur more naturally.

Be sure to check with your health care provider before beginning any new exercise program!

Benefit of Regular Exercise

How much time do you need to devote to a workout before you begin to see some of the benefits of exercise?

Many fitness experts agree that ALL exercise is beneficial. However, to experience the maximum benefits of exercise a routine should be done on a regular basis, daily if possible, and consist of a combination of...

• aerobic exercise
• stretch exercise
• strength exercise

And, if you suffer from back pain, you may want to include...

• back strengthening exercises
• back stretching exercises

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers exercise guidelines for children, adults and older adults, as well as healthy pregnant and postpartum women, on their website at:
cdc.gov (Physical Activity for Everyone)

The exercise recommendations of the CDC may seem quite high. My guess, if you're like me, you'll need a bit of motivation to exercise to get you going! But once you're on your way, the benefit of physical exercise as well as the mental benefits to exercise can certainly outweigh the obstacles encountered in getting there.