Everyone knows they SHOULD exercise but do you really know why?? Exercise can make you feel better, give you more energy and perhaps even make you live longer! Here are just a few of the ways exercise can benefit you:
1. Exercise for weight control
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. You do not need to exercise for hours a day to receive the benefits, just as little as 30 minutes per day will see some great results. Exercise also does not need to be in the form of sports or planned exercise sessions. Any movement can contribute to a healthy lifestyle – e.g. take the stairs instead of the elevator, spend an hour gardening, dance around the kitchen while you are cooking!
2. Exercise can prevent heart conditions and reduce blood pressure
No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This combination keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
3.Exercise makes you happy!
Regular exercise can help release stress and improve your mood! 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 increases energy
Having trouble walking up that flight of stairs lately? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep
Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep and STAY asleep. Just don’t exercise too late in the day or you may be too energised at bed time!
6.Exercise keeps you moving in your older years
Exercise and an active lifestyle that includes walking protects against loss of mobility in later life.
For muscular wellness:
• Include flexibility exercises such as Pilates, tai chi, stretches or yoga 2-4 times a week
• Include strength exercises ranging from weights to carrying groceries daily
7. Exercise can be fun and help you meet others
Exercise can be enjoyable if you can find something you enjoy. It gives you a chance to unwind, and clear the mind. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting or help you to meet new people. So, take a dance class, swim in the ocean or join a sports team (or join one of our Pilates classes!). Find a physical activity you enjoy, and get started. If you get bored or don’t like it try something new!
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise for longer periods or increase intensity. Consult your practitioner before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.
