Top Benefits of Physical Exercise: Why Do It?
1) Weight control
When we talk about weight management, one must consider that people vary greatly in how much physical activity they need. You may need to be more active than someone else to achieve or maintain your healthy weight. However, don’t worry if you can’t spare a few hours to go to the gym — just try first to be more active throughout your day. It might mean taking the stairs instead of the elevator, having a brisk walk home from work or doing your house cleaning more energetically. Consistency and dedication of at least some time is the key here.
2) A boost of happy chemicals and less stress
There is nothing as good as exercise when you need an emotional lift. Run your problems away, walk your stress off or breathe it out during yoga exercises — the choice is wide, and it’s yours. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. It also appears that aerobic exercise alone or aerobic exercise combined with resistance training can also improve sleep quality.
3) Boost in brainpower and prevention of cognitive decline
Increasing your heart rate through exercise promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain. In this way exercising can stimulate the production of hormones that enhance the growth of brain cells. Great effects on overall brain health include benefits for learning and memory, protection from neurodegeneration, especially among the elderly. And while exercise cannot cure diseases like Alzheimer’s, it can help against cognitive decline that can set in after the age of 45.
4) Reduction of risk of chronic disease and improved longevity
Research conducted in 2013 showed that there are no detectable differences between one group who exercised and those who were given preventive medication for coronary heart disease. Moreover, for those patients who had already suffered a stroke, physical activity interventions were more effective than drug treatment. Regular physical activity lowers your blood pressure and improves your cholesterol levels.
5) Learn to set and achieve goals
Setting and achieving goals is an incredible self-confidence boost. Whether it’s your running mileage, an aerobics marathon or increasing the weights you can lift, make sure your goals are very clear. Then, by committing achieving them, you will not only benefit from the regular exercise, but also enjoy the confidence that comes with it.
We hope that by acknowledging these benefits will inspire you to do regular exercise. Start small and build up your own path towards DeepHealth! #DeepH Team
