Happy New Year! I trust you all made it safely into 2018… I just want to share with you the secret to a better life, so come closer so you can hear me… Just kidding! Please do keep reading though because I have something very important to share!
Exercise is the answer to feeling better, having more energy, and adding years to your life. Regardless of your age, gender, or physical ability, you can benefit from exercising.
The Mayo Clinic has identified 7 benefits of regular physical activity:
- Exercise controls weight by preventing excess weight gain or helping to maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. Consequently, the more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. The key to success is consistency! Whether you are in a gym or at home, you can always find the time to exercise.
- Exercise combats health conditions and diseases by boosting your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and decreasing unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. The key to success is consistency! Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, some types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
- Exercise improves mood when you participate in a gym session or brisk 30-minute walk by giving you an emotional lift or helping you to blow off some steam after a stressful day. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. The key to success is consistency! When you exercise regularly, it can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem as you start to feel better about your appearance and your health.
- Exercise boosts energy by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. The key to success is consistency! Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance so that you are no longer winded by grocery shopping or household chores. In fact, when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle those daily chores!
- Exercise promotes better sleep when you don’t exercise too close to bedtime. The key to success is consistency! Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.
- Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life by helping you enjoy physical intimacy, instead of feeling too tired or too out of shape to participate. The key to success is consistency! Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and physical appearance, which may boost your sex life. In addition, regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women, while men who exercise regularly can lower their chances for problems with erectile dysfunction.
- Exercise can be fun … and social by giving you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. The key to success is consistency! So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, then try something new, or do something with friends.
Here are some final thoughts on exercise…
- Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health and have fun.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.
- Try to engage in a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic exercises, such as running, walking or swimming.
- Squeeze in strength training at least twice per week by lifting free weights, using weight machines or doing body weight exercises.
- Space out your activities throughout the week.
- If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to ramp up your exercise efforts.
I know you may want to get started right away, but remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.
I hope this information was helpful. Many thanks to the Mayo Clinic for helping with this content. Please leave me a comment with your thoughts.
Until we meet again, I pray blessings for your life!
Glorified Fitness Inc 