10 Benefits of Being Active
Everyone knows that being active is good for them, but do you know just how much good it can do? Regular activity, including everything from a casual evening walk through to running a marathon can reduce stress, prevent the onset of disease and help us live longer.
1. Relieves Stress & Anxiety
Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. No matter your fitness level, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management. After a walk in the park or a few laps in the pool, you'll often find that you've forgotten the day's irritations and concentrated only on your body's movements.
2. Improves Learning & Memory
Exercise helps memory and thinking through both direct and indirect means. The benefits of exercise come directly by improving the health of brain cells and the growth of new blood vessels in the brain. Indirectly, exercise improves mood and sleep and stress and anxiety. All of which can cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.
3. Strengthens the Heart
Our cardiovascular system contains one of the most important muscles in the body, the heart. Just like the other muscles in the body, exercise improves the heart’s overall function and efficacy. When the cardiovascular system works efficiently, it provides more oxygen, nutrients and energy to your body throughout the day. If you’re feeling low in the middle of the workday, take a brief walk to get the heart pumping and blood flowing to boost your energy and performance.
4. Builds Stronger Bones
Our bones thin as we age, putting us at greater risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures that can reduce our quality of life. Weight-bearing (high- or low-impact) and muscle-strengthening exercises build and strengthen the bones as well as the muscles that surround them. Nonimpact exercises like yoga can improve balance, posture and flexibility, which may reduce exercise-related injuries.
5. Promotes Sleep
After a workout, the body’s internal temperature returns to baseline and signals the brain that it’s time for sleep. Try to give yourself at least an hour or two to wind down post-exercise, otherwise those endorphins can keep you going!
6. Social Interaction
With everyone buried in technology these days, it’s nice to have a reason to get out and enjoy the real world with friends and family. Take a class, walk your dogs, play a sport or go for a jog with your workout partner. Having a network of friends also helps keep you on track.
7. Improves Mood.
Exercising outdoors can help ensure adequate production of vitamin D. This vitamin has been linked to cognitive function, and inadequate levels have been linked to mood swings. Catching a few rays while exercising may actually boost your mood.
8. Improves Digestion.
Exercise can relieve constipation and help those with digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. It can also decrease the risk for colon cancer and ulcers. Stress is another contributor to digestive issues, which can be reduced with regular exercise.
9. Reduces Disease Risk.
Exercise can actually help prevent diseases like prevent Type 2 diabetes, stroke, metabolic syndrome and even some forms of cancer. Because exercise burns energy, it makes the body more efficient at using glucose and clearing it from the blood. If you already have diabetes or prediabetes, exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s just another benefit of taking a stroll after dinner!
10.Because it’s fun!
Physical activity doesn’t have to be all about strict fitness exercises to reduce blood pressure or lose weight. It can also be a time to catch up with friends, unwind or enjoy the outdoors. Go bushwalking, join a sports team or take a dance class. Physical activity will help you maintain a healthy, happy life.