How often do you exercise? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “not nearly enough!” It turns out that regular physical activity like walking for 30 minutes every day or swimming a few laps each week can help keep you healthy and energized throughout your life.
The exercise involves simple tasks like brisk walking around the block every evening. However, adding more vigorous sports or other activities will provide numerous health benefits.
Listed below are seven health benefits of regular exercise.
1. Lowering Blood Pressure
One of the best ways to lower blood pressure is through moderate physical activities like walking or runnin), which raise heart rate and use up calories. Research has shown that even if you don’t change any other aspects of your lifestyle, just working up a comfortable sweat three times a week could lower your systolic blood pressure by about three points.
2. Preventing Heart Disease
Cardiovascular illnesses are the leading causes of death in adults worldwide. Physical activity is one of the most critical factors associated with reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. You can reduce your chances of developing heart problems and stroke by moving regularly. Regular exercise may prevent or delay heart attacks and strokes by 50%. It lowers stress hormone levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.
3. Improving Bone Strength and Immunity
Exercise helps build strong bones and muscles while also improving immune function. This means you’ll have better resistance against colds, the flu, infections, and illnesses. Studies show that women who participate in recreational sports have fewer incidences of breast cancer than those who are not active. A study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that women who participate in physical activity have a 38% reduced risk of osteoporosis compared to sedentary women.
4. Reducing Diabetes Risk
Regular exercise prevents type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These are conditions where high sugar levels occur in the bloodstream due to abnormalities in how the body processes glucose. Type 2 diabetes affects a person after the pancreas produces less insulin or when cells become resistant to its effects. High blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood are all symptoms of metabolic syndrome. People who have these disorders are at a higher risk of being affected by heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations.
5. Boosting Mood and Energy Levels
Exercising often boosts your mood and energy levels. You’ll feel more alert, focused, and motivated. Exercise can increase dopamine production and boost levels of serotonin – both neurotransmitters that influence your mood. Even a short workout can improve your mental outlook. The brain responds to exercise by releasing endorphins, which are natural pain relievers that elevate self-esteem and help combat depression.
6. Promoting Healthy Weight Loss
If you’ve tried dieting before, you know it’s easier said than done. However, research suggests that exercise may play an essential role in helping you lose weight and keep it off. One study found that people who worked out regularly were more successful at maintaining their weight losses over time than those who don’t work out. Another study showed that overweight people who walked briskly for 30 minutes four days a week lost nearly twice as much weight as an inactive control group. Walking is the simplest form of aerobic exercise, and it can be done anywhere, so there’s no excuse not to start!
7. Enhancing Sex Life
Physical fitness has been linked to improved sexual health. Erectile dysfunction (ED) often goes hand-in-hand with many men’s poor overall physical condition. There’s strong evidence that regular exercise can help alleviate ED symptoms. Men who don’t engage in regular moderate exercise have higher odds of suffering from ED. However, studies show that aerobic activities like jogging, running, and cycling appear particularly beneficial.
The bottom line is that exercise is good for you. It strengthens your body, improves your mind, and makes you happier. If you want to take full advantage of all seven benefits listed above, commit to doing some cardio daily. Whether you prefer walking, running, biking, swimming, or any other sport, you should make some time to do it.
