Exercise really IS the best medicine! We all know that regular exercise training is vital to good health, but The Mayo Clinic puts some hard numbers to just how beneficial regular activity is for your body and your health. Physical activity is a major prevention tool against a wide range of diseases.
Health Benefits of Exercise
Here are some of the health benefit statistics of regular exercise:
- 30% lower chance of death overall
- 25% – 50% reduction in pain from osteoarthritis
- 90% improvement in self-esteem and well-being
- 57% lower rate of prostate cancer
- Major reduction of blood pressure
- 50% – 80% reduced chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes
- 50% reduction in falls among older adults
- 45% lower rate of colon cancer
More health benefits of working out
1. Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.
Regular trips to the gym are great, but don’t worry if you can’t find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.
2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease or stroke? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including:
- Stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
- Falls
It can also help improve cognitive function – yes, exercise is good for your brain too! – and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.
3. Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.
You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
4. Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.
5. Exercise improves sleep
Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep.
6. Exercise can be fun — and social!
Exercise and physical activity can (and should) be enjoyable. Working out gives 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. This is one of the reasons working with a personal trainer is so rewarding!
So take a dance class, lift some weights, hit the trails with some new hiking gear, or join a volleyball team. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, and put it on your calendar. Bored with the same-ol’, same-ol’? Get a personal trainer to teach you something new, or try an activity with friends or family.
Exercise and Personal Training
Treat your body well! A personal trainer will help you stay accountable to your regular exercise goals. You’ll learn how to work out correctly and effectively. You’ll have fun! Fitness needs to be a regular part of your life, and it doesn’t have to be scary or awful. Give us a call at 615-442-7700, or send us a note.