Exercise refers to any coordinated movement that makes muscles work and requires the body to burn calories. There are different types of exercises, such as aerobic exercises (running, swimming), strength exercises (push-ups, lifting weights), balance exercises (squats, walking sideways), and flexibility exercises (yoga, Pilates). But whatever type of exercise you plan to do, one thing is for certain – there are a myriad of benefits of regular exercise. Want to know what they are? Read this article to learn more.
Benefits of Regular Exercise
1. Helps You Achieve a Healthy Weight
Each time you exercise, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you will burn. This makes exercise an effective means for weight management. Studies show that aerobic exercise and resistance training are effective in reducing body fat.
Visiting the gym or doing a home exercise program like FITin56 on a regular basis would be best, but if you can still get some benefits of exercise by being active throughout the day. For instance, you can take a walk early in the morning or try taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator of your office building.
2. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Sedentary lifestyle and obesity are among the risk factors for developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression. In particular, too much belly fat is associated with an increased risk of having heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
By exercising regularly, you can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and boost cardiovascular fitness. Moreover, you’ll be able to raise HDL levels (good cholesterol) and decrease unhealthy triglycerides. This combination improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. Improves Mood
Need to release tension and stress from your body? Exercise stimulates certain chemicals and hormones called endorphins in the brain, making you feel more euphoric. Even a 30-minute brisk walk is enough to lift your spirits up. More importantly, engaging in exercise can also make you feel better about yourself, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
4. Boosts Energy
Regular exercise can improve your muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells in the body and helps the cardiovascular system to function more efficiently. A healthy heart (and lungs) means you can become more productive and do more with your time.
5. Improves Sex Life
Did you know that regular exercise can help you enjoy physical intimacy more? Physical activity can boost sexual performance, sexual pleasure, and the frequency of sexual activity. Exercise tones muscles, enhances flexibility, and improves blood circulation, all of which can improve your sex life.
Exercise has been proven to boost sexual desire, function, and performance for both men and women. Regular exercise may enhance arousal for women, not just for women in their 20s or 30s, but for more mature women as well. When it comes to men, studies seem to suggest that those who exercise more had better sexual function scores. Furthermore, men who regularly exercise are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
6. Promotes Better Sleep
Another benefit of exercise is that it can help you sleep better. Not only will it help you get to sleep faster, it will also improve the quality of your sleep. Because energy was spent during exercise, it will stimulate the recuperative process of the body when you sleep. Body temperature increases during exercise. When you sleep, the corresponding drop in body temperature is believed to improve sleep quality.
Moreover, one study showed that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week can lead to a 65% improvement in the quality of sleep. Other studies on the impact of exercise on sleep have produced similar conclusions.
7. It’s fun!
The most common aspect that people think of when they exercise are the physical benefits. But keep in mind that exercise can be enjoyable, too. By tagging along your family and friends, exercise can also be a social activity. Have you tried exercising with your special someone? (Romantic, don’t you think?)
Through exercise, you get a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors and engage in activities that can make you happy. When feeling bored, try something new. Here are some suggestions: trek a hiking trail, take a dance class, or try a new sport.
The benefits of regular exercise are many and long-lasting. Exercise has been shown to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. Plus, it may help you live longer. Anybody can benefit from exercise, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. Exercise is a great way to boost your health, feel better, and have fun.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a hold of your fitness gear and start moving today! If you are looking to buy some exercise equipment to help you get fit, click here. If you are interested in a great fitness program, join FITin56!