Most people know that exercise is good for them. It can help us lose or maintain weight. If you have ever struggled to find the motivation to exercise (*raises hands*), you should remind yourself that weight loss is not the only reason for exercising.
In today’s hectic world, we all could use some inspiration to make our health a priority.
Matthew Kampert (DO) shares the many benefits of exercising beyond weight loss. These will be useful for you next time you consider quitting your exercise routine.
Exercise has many benefits
What are the benefits of regular exercise? Regular exercise can give you more energy and help you live longer, sleep better, and have a more excellent quality of life. Here are some of the reasons exercise is essential.
It makes you feel happier
Who doesn’t like the feeling of endorphins after a vigorous walk or spin class?
Endorphins, hormones that lower pain and increase pleasure, create a feeling of well-being. Before you scold your fitness instructor for being so enthusiastic, think about the benefits a steady supply of endorphins can give your body.
Endorphins can also be used as natural painkillers and help with long-term aches. Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles and reduce chronic pain.
It gives you more energy
Exercise increases heart rate and blood flow. Higher energy levels are correlated with more oxygen and nutrients in your muscles. Science backs up the claim that more energy can be expended, even though it may seem odd.
A study showed that 90% of those who exercise regularly reported feeling more tired than those who didn’t. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee every morning to get you going, go for a walk.
Promotes quality sleep
Exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. This makes it easier to fall asleep.
While exercise can raise your body temperature, make you more alert, and feel more awake throughout the day. It can also help you fall asleep better when your internal temperature drops.
Exercising outside can help regulate your sleep cycle, and vitamin D may be beneficial. Be careful as you calculate how close it is to bedtime.
Helps fight depression
Research reveals that exercise is an effective treatment for mild and moderate depression.
Exercise can increase your brain’s ability to sense serotonin or norepinephrine. This helps reduce depression symptoms.
However, you don’t have to train for a marathon to reap the benefits.
A study found that when combined with standard treatment, yoga was sufficient to reduce anxiety and depression by decreasing the need for six weeks. The breathing exercises that yoga and Pilates focus on can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Maintains strong bones and muscles
As we age, our muscle mass and function decrease. Regular exercise can help reduce muscle loss and increase strength. Our bodies release hormones that aid in muscle growth and absorb amino acids when we exercise.
According to a study, exercise, while you’re young can build bone density which can help protect against osteoporosis as you age.
Lowers your risk of developing chronic diseases
Regular exercise can prevent chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it can help.
Think about the adverse effects of a lack of exercise on your health. It can lead to significant belly fat (which is hard to lose) and has been linked with high cholesterol, inflammation, and heart disease.
Reduces pain
Exercise can help with chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions.
Research has shown that exercise can help reduce pain and improve physical function.
Brain health is improved
Exercise is good for your brain health, especially for those at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Movement improves cardiovascular health and blood flow to the brain and reduces inflammation. It stimulates the release of hormones that increase brain cell growth.
A study suggests that exercise may also impact the hippocampus in older adults. This brain area is crucial for learning and memory. It can be strengthened by exercise, which can improve mental function.
Improves skin
You may not believe exercising can make a difference to your skin because of the sweat you produce. Regular moderate exercise can increase your body’s antioxidant levels.
These antioxidants protect your skin from damage caused by oxidative stress or free radicals.
Exercise can also increase blood flow, which can help with anti-aging effects.
It makes you feel more productive
Isaac Newton was right when he said, “Objects in Motion Stay in Motion.” Many people feel more productive when they exercise.
Dr. Kampert states that even people suffering from depression do better when they exercise, even if it is just a little.
Dr. Kampert explains, “It might have been because of the movement or because the person got out of bed and did something.”
The feeling of accomplishment following a workout can be motivating and exciting. Exercise can also make you feel more awake and alert, which will help you be more productive.
Enhances sex life
Exercise can help you have a stronger heart and muscles, which can make it easier to have sex.
Research shows that postmenopausal women who exercised had a more robust sexual desire than those who did not exercise and that exercise significantly increased their erectile function.
Helps maintain weight
Exercise can be a great way to reach your ideal weight. Exercise can help you lose excess calories and build muscle.
It can also help reduce stress and improve sleep, allowing you to make better choices about what you eat.
It will help you live longer
Healthcare providers recommend regular exercise to prevent or treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
It also maintains bone, muscle, and joint health, lowers cholesterol, and protects mental well-being. These fantastic benefits can add to living longer (plus feeling great).
