What Are the Health Benefits of Regular Exercise?

We all know that regular exercise is good for our health and wellbeing – we certainly hear it often enough! But this information is taken for granted, and many of us are unclear about exactly what is gained by taking regular exercise. There is certainly a lot of misinformation out there too. Let’s look at the main benefits of keeping fit and active:

Weight Control

Regular exercise helps you to lose excess weight and also keeps your current weight under control. This is because exercising uses energy, which burns calories. So if you need to lose weight for health reasons such as diabetes or heart problems, or if you want to shift a few extra pounds and fit into your favorite pair of jeans again, exercise is a simple solution for slimming down. However, you must combine this with a sensible diet, or you won’t see any results!

Health Conditions

You’d be amazed at how many common health problems can be prevented or managed by exercising regularly. Some of these include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, stroke, mobility issues, and even some types of cancer. A good workout lowers your cholesterol and boosts levels of good fats in your body, keeps your blood flowing smoothly around your body, and keeps joints and muscles moving so that they remain supple – which is especially important as we age. Finally, exercise helps you feel good because it releases endorphins – the feel-good hormone!

Daytime Energy and Nighttime Sleeping

Exercise gets your blood pumping faster, makes your muscles stronger, heightens your endurance, and helps essential nutrients get into every tissue of your body – meaning you have more energy! And giving yourself a thorough workout during the day also helps you to sleep more easily at night, and promotes a more profound, healthier slumber. Looking for an insomnia cure? Ditch the sleeping pills and go for a run! Take care not to exercise too close to your regular bedtime, though, as you may also be energized from your workout and might not be able to sleep.

Make It Fun!

Exercising doesn’t have to be about jogging ten miles a day or joining a boot camp-style exercise class; swimming is much more relaxing form of exercise that gives your whole body and cardiovascular system a great workout; yoga sessions put you through your paces and will also help you to relax and improve your overall mental health, and dance classes will get you to break into a sweat while listening to fun music and learning to revolve like a superstar!

Of course, you don’t have to join a gym or even leave the house to exercise; home exercise equipment and hiring a personal training professional are options to help you stay fit and healthy in the comfort of your own home.