You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From
boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can
improve your life.By Mayo Clinic Staff [1]
Want to feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life?
Just exercise.
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard
to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex or
physical ability.
Need more convincing to get moving? Check out these seven ways exercise
can lead to a happier, healthier you.
1. 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.
Regular trips to the gym are great, but don’t worry if you can’t find a
large chunk of time to exercise every day. To reap the benefits of
exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs
instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is
key.
2. 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.
Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems
and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes,
depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
3. EXERCISE IMPROVES MOOD
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful
day? A gym session or 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.
4. EXERCISE BOOSTS ENERGY
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical
activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your
cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and
lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores
5. EXERCISE PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP
Struggling to snooze? 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 hit the hay.
6. 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 improve energy levels and physical
appearance, which may boost your sex life.
But there’s even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may
enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less
likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t
exercise.
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7. EXERCISE CAN BE FUN … AND SOCIAL!
Exercise and physical activity can be enjoyable. 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. Bored? Try something
new, or do something with friends.
THE BOTTOM LINE ON EXERCISE
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost
your health and have fun. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of
moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous
exercise.
Try to engage in a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic
exercises, such as running, walking or swimming. Squeeze in strength
training at least twice per week by lifting free weights, using weight
machines or doing body weight exercises.
Space out your activities throughout the week. If you want to lose
weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to ramp up your
exercise efforts.
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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What better Gift to give than one of Health, Fitness & Wellness!
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Article by By Mayo Clinic Staff