Want
to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further
than exercise. The health and
fitness benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to
ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of
your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out
these seven ways exercise can improve your life.
No. 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. You don't need to set aside
large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do
an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by
taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.
No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood
pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density
lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy
triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which
decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical
activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and
concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression,
certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
No. 3: Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a
stressful day? A health and
fitness routine, a workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help.
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling
happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself
when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your
self-esteem.
No. 4: Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical
activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise
and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help
your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs
work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
[source=http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389]
