Exercise is critical for mental and physical health and well-being.  Here are 4 significant ways that regular exercise can benefit and enhance your health:

Weight Control

Exercising can help control weight gain and facilitate weight loss. Many of us find it hard to exercise on a daily basis, which can be discouraging. Even just a little bit of physical activity can help your overall health. If you can’t find time to make it to the gym, just a little extra activity can help burn calories and keep the heart pumping. For example, walk up the stairs instead of take the elevator, walk to the nearby park instead of driving, ride bikes at the beach instead of lounging. The key to staying on track in any weight loss journey is to stay consistent.

Reduce Risk of Disease

Moderate aerobic exercise can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. During exercise the heart can pump more blood through the body and continue working at optimal efficiency with little strain. Regular exercise also helps to keep arteries and other blood vessels flexible. This ensures good blood flow and helps maintain a normal blood pressure and cholesterol level. Exercise also helps control type 2 diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels.

Strengthen Bones and Muscles

Weight-bearing moderate physical activity can help strengthen bone density. Weight bearing exercise is activity that keeps you on your feet so your legs carry the body weight. Doing this will help improve bone and muscle strength. Examples of moderate weight-bearing exercise are walking, jogging, playing tennis, walking up stairs, dancing, hiking. These bone strengthening exercise are very important for children and teens because that is the time where bone mass is at its peak level. These exercises are also important for the elderly because it helps prevent osteoporosis.

Improve Energy and Mood

Exercising daily enhances the endorphins in the body. Endorphins are natural hormones that get released during physical activity. Almost any physical activity that gets the heart and blood flow pumping will release endorphins in the blood stream. The endorphins in the body will help provide more energy throughout the day during normal daily activities. It’s significant to note that endorphins also play a role in improving mood and feelings of happiness.  Exercise has been said to help aid in depression and other mental health issues.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/

https://www.verywell.com/bone-density-and-exercise-3120770

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression

 

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.