Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but have you ever wondered how good? From boosting your overall mood to improving your physical health, let’s find out how regular exercise can improve your life. Why you may ask? Because to me, living a healthy life is essential to being happy.
The health benefits of regularly exercising and being physically active are difficult to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of your age, gender, or physical ability.
Having said all of that, as a disclaimer – please bear in mind that I am not a medical professional. All of what I share in these posts are based on my own independent research and advice I have personally received from other professionals in my life. Before embarking on any health or fitness journey, connect with a medical professional before proceeding.
Still think you need more convincing?
Here are seven ways that exercise can improve your life.
Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent any excess weight gain and can help maintain healthy weight loss. When you engage in physical activity – by proxy, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn, it’s simple math really. Regular trips to the gym are exceptional but don’t stress yourself out if you can’t find a large chunk of time to exercise every single day. Any amount of activity is better than doing nothing at all. To truly reap the benefits of exercise, just do your best to get more active throughout your day. Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or rev up your daily chores. What matters is consistency.
Exercise fights health conditions and diseases
Do you worry about heart disease or want to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active can boost high-density lipoprotein cholesterol – AKA, the “good” cholesterol, and it can decrease unhealthy triglycerides. This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Regular exercise can help prevent or manage many health issues, including:
- Stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Type 2 diabetes
- Several types of cancer
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
Exercise improves mood
Do you need an emotional lift or to destress? A gym session or even just a brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. By proxy, you also may feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise daily, which can boost your confidence and improve overall self-esteem.
Exercise improves energy
If you get winded by doing daily tasks, you’ll be happy to know regular exercise can improve your muscle strength and boost your body’s endurance. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system to work far more effectively. And when your heart and lung health improves, you’re going to have a lot more energy.
Exercise promotes better sleep
Do you have trouble getting to sleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, sleep better overall, and even deepen your sleep. Just try your best not to exercise too close to bedtime – this can amp you up and make it hard to go to bed right away.
Exercise can be fun
Exercise and physical activity can be a lot of fun, especially if you find something you like. For me, I love mountain biking, hiking, and lifting weights. They give you the chance to relax, enjoy the outdoors, or simply just engage in things you enjoy. Physical activity can help you connect with friends and family in a fun social setting.
So, take a spin class, hit the trails, or join a sports team. Find something you enjoy, and just do it.