Benefits of Regular Exercise on the Body and Mind

Regular exercise is one of the keys of staying healthy and strong and should be maintained even into one’s older age. Exercise makes you feel better, have more energy and can add years to your life as well and make your senior years even better. The benefits of regular exercise or physical activity are hard to ignore and becomes even more important the older we get. Some of the benefits of exercise are:

Exercise can help to control weight

Regular exercise or physical activity helps your body burn calories and the more intense the activity the more calories your body will burn. This is important in keeping calories in check will help prevent weight gain and can help with losing weight as well. Even if the goal is not to lose weight staying activity will help you feel better. The type of exercise is not important but doing so regularly is. Whether you spend hours at the gym or go for a long walk, stay active and see the benefits of exercise.

Exercise can reduce the risk of Heart diseases and other conditions

Regular exercise is great for your heart by helping to reduce risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Heart disease is one of the leading factors which can shorten your life. Regular exercise can keep the blood flowing smoothly which decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. But that’s not all, regular exercise can help to many other health problems such as:

• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Anxiety
• Strokes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Some forms of cancer

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of death from almost all causes and can also help improve cognitive function.

Exercise can help boost energy

Do daily activities of life have you winded? Carrying the shopping into the house or going up a flight of stairs have you stop and take a few moments to gather your breath? If so regular exercise or physical activity can help improve your endurance and strength. The benefit increases when the activity or exercises are done regularly. Exercise helps to bring oxygen and nutrition to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. The more energy you have the more you can achieve.

Exercise can help promote better sleep

Some people struggle to fall asleep or end up falling asleep late and waking up tired and lethargic. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep more quickly and also deepen your sleep. Being well rested can do wonders for your body, our bodies tend to heal faster when we are rested and a good sleep goes a long way to making your day a productive one.

Exercise can be fun

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring it can be fun especially if you participate in activities with other people. Exercising or physical activity outdoors can be more enjoyable allowing you to connect with nature. Choosing a park or trail to walk or run, walk along the lake would be ideal ways of being fun and becoming stress free.

Exercise can strengthen muscles and bone

Regular activity/exercise is a great way to not only strengthen muscles but also bones. Activities with resistance such as weights (the weights don’t have to be heavy) can be beneficial for your bones. Regular activities are very beneficial and help when dealing with conditions such as osteoarthritis and keep your bones strong and healthy.

Benefits of regular exercise on the body and mind

Exercises/Activities can help improve mood

Staying active and regular activities are great ways to reduce stress and give us an emotional lift. I find a good workout is a fantastic way to get rid of stress and feeling on top of the world. Activities and stimulate the brain that make you feel happier, more relaxed and less anxious. Regular activities can also make you feel better about your fitness levels and appearance which can help improve your self-esteem and confidence.

Exercise done regularly has many benefits that were just listed but there are countless other ways exercise can be beneficial. Regular exercise/activities should become a part of your routine at least several times a week and is best if we continue staying active until our senior years. The benefits of exercise can help make those senior years easier and more manageable and most importantly avoid being dependent on anyone.

For more info contact Dynamic Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Inc. at 289-201-2435 or at www.dynamicphysiotherapy.ca