It is well known that exercise is good for our bodies, but the benefits are more pervasive than you might realize. Here are 6 ways exercise can improve your quality of life.
- Exercise controls weight
This is the reason most people exercise. Exercising is an excellent way to lose weight and to help keep it off. When we exercise we burn calories, with more intense exercises burning more calories. Though many people find fitting a full workout into their busy schedules nearly impossible that doesn’t mean you need to skimp on your exercise. Fitting small amounts of exercise into your daily routine is simple. - Exercise combats health problems and disease
Exercise not only keeps us healthy by keeping us thin it also actively prevents diseases and other health problems. Being active helps boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also called “good” cholesterol and decreases the amount of unhealthy triglycerides in your system. This helps you prevent high blood pressure, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems because it keeps your blood flowing smoothly throughout your body. Regular physical activity has also been shown to prevent and manage a wide variety of health problems including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, some types of cancer and arthritis. - Exercise makes us happy
Aside from making us slimmer and boosting our confidence and self esteem exercise actually makes us happier. If you are feeling blue or stressed then a short workout or a brisk 30 minute walk might be the answer. Physical activity not only stimulates our muscles, it also stimulates our brains. Exercise causes the brain to release a variety of chemicals, including endorphins, that make us happier and more relaxed. - Exercise gives us energy
Most of us think of exercise as something that should tire us out but in fact the opposite is true. Regular physical activity improves your muscle strength and boosts your endurance, making you stronger. Exercise prompts your body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues to compensate for the extra work, and also helps your cardiovascular system learn to work more efficiently. Regular physical activity makes your muscles, heart, and lungs stronger, giving you more energy and strength to tackle everyday chores like shoveling snow and hauling in groceries. - Exercise helps us sleep better
If you are having trouble falling asleep, or find that you wake up frequently during the night, you might want to consider getting more exercise. Regular physical activity helps your body fall asleep, and makes you sleep more deeply. However, exercising also improves your energy levels, so avoid exercising too close to bedtime. To get the maximum benefit try to exercise right after you wake up so that you can give your body a natural energy boost and start the day off right. - Exercise can be fun
If you groan at the thought of slogging away on a treadmill then you are approaching exercise wrong. Exercise and physical activity can be fun. Exercise is an excellent way to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and try new activities. Exercise can also be a social activity, and provides an excellent way to connect with friends and family. Try taking a dance class, going for a hike or joining a sports team or club. By experimenting with different physical activities you are sure to find something you enjoy so exercise doesn't feel like a chore.
Exercise offers a variety of benefits both physical and psychological. You should try and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, though if you are trying to lose weight you will need to exercise more. Discussing your fitness goals with a personal trainer can help you find an exercise routine that helps you achieve them and have fun.
DreamBody is Calgary’s premier choice for weight loss and fitness training. For more information contact us today at 403.612.3538 and visit paulanthony.ca.
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