The Benefits Of Exercise

You constantly hear about the need for regular exercise. But do you really know why it is so good for you?Exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, and its benefits extend far beyond just physical fitness.

Improved Physical Health

Exercise has numerous benefits for physical health, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can also help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and strengthen bones and muscles.

Better Mental Health

Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise can also improve mood, increase self-esteem, and reduce stress levels.

Weight Management

Exercise plays a crucial role in weight management by helping to burn calories and build muscle. According to the National Institutes of Health, a combination of diet and exercise is the most effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Improved Sleep

Exercise has been linked to improved sleep quality and duration. According to a study published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, regular exercise can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Increased Energy Levels

Exercise can help boost energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, even short bouts of exercise can increase energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Improved Cognitive Function

Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention. According to a study published in the journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, regular exercise can help improve memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Improved Longevity

Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which are leading causes of death worldwide. Additionally, exercise has been found to improve cardiovascular function, increase bone density, and enhance cognitive function, all of which are important for healthy aging. Furthermore, exercise can help prevent age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, which can lead to frailty and disability in older adults.

Please reach out to speak with us if you’d like some direction and guidance on how to develop a proper exercise program. Happy Exercising

 

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. Retrieved from American Psychological Association.

Exercise and Mental Health. American Psychological Association

National Institutes of Health. (2019). Losing Weight.

Kredlow, M. A., Capozzoli, M. C., Hearon, B. A., Calkins, A. W., & Otto, M. W. (2015). The effects of physical activity on sleep: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3), 427-449.

Puetz, T. W. (2006). Physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue: epidemiological evidence. Sports Medicine, 36(9), 767-780.

Erickson, K. I., Voss, M. W., Prakash, R. S., Basak, C., Szabo, A., Chaddock, L., … & Kramer, A. F. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), 3017-3022.

Booth, F. W., Roberts, C. K., & Laye, M. J. (2012). Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases. Comprehensive Physiology, 2(2), 1143-1211.

Lee, D. C., Pate, R. R., Lavie, C. J., Sui, X., Church, T. S., & Blair, S. N. (2014). Leisure-time running reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 64(5), 472-481.

Piercy, K. L., Troiano, R. P., Ballard, R. M., Carlson, S. A., Fulton, J. E., Galuska, D. A., … & Olson, R. D. (2018). The physical activity guidelines for Americans. JAMA, 320(19), 2020-2028.

Voss, M. W., Carr, L. J., Clark, R., & Weng, T. (2014). Revenge of the “sit” II: Does lifestyle impact neuronal and cognitive health through distinct mechanisms associated with sedentary behavior and physical activity?. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 7(1), 9-24.