Feeling down, or have a family history of high blood pressure? Hit the gym or go walking. No matter your age, sex or shape, there is a form of exercise you can and need to do regularly. The logic is simple: ‘a body in motion remains in motion, and the one on the couch will stay there’. So let’s all get moving!
The benefits of exercise are numerous and include the following:
- Enhances Mood:
Had a stressful day at work? Feeling anxious or depressed? Exercise may be a great way to start combating these evils and elevate your mood.
- Combats Certain Chronic/Lifestyle Diseases:
- Heart Disease, including hypertension
- High Cholesterol: exercise increases the good cholesterol (HDL), and decreases the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides
- Type II Diabetes: risk is reduced and management is improved
- Certain cancers, such as Colon (up to 40%) and Breast (up to 60%)
- Osteoporosis: weight-bearing and resistance training are encouraged
- Obesity: this is a major health enemy
- Arthritis: muscle strengthening and weight reduction go a long way to relieve pain of joints such as the knee
- Alzheimer’s: exercise does slow the process.
- Manages Weight
- Busy. Too tired to exercise. Midlife crisis. These are common words/phrases that we often spew out when we are overweight. Exercise, together with the right eating habits, helps to maintain a healthy weight. Consider using the stairs instead of the elevator. How about walking to the TV to change the channel, instead of using the remote control?
- Strengthens your Heart and Lungs, and Boosts Brain Power
- Exercise increases oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. When your heart and lungs are in top shape, you have the energy to enjoy life and do the things you love.
- Exercise is able to “fire” brain waves responsible for quick thinking even faster, because it boosts blood flow to the brain and helps it to receive oxygen and nutrients. Remember the busy athlete in school who still made great grades?
- Improves Skin
- Our skin is improved because of the increased circulation, which delivers nutrients. Skin colour is improved after exercise because of the increase in blood flow.
- Promotes Better Sleep
- Sleeping well at night improves our concentration, productivity and mood
- Anytime is good for exercising, but if you want to reap the benefits of a natural dip in body temperature, 4-6 hours post-exercise, then breaking the sweat late in the afternoon may be a great choice. You tend to sleep faster and deeper.
- Increases Immunity
- Moderate exercise helps to jump-start our immune system. Say good-bye to frequent colds and other viral illnesses.
- Exercise is Fun
- Many people will disagree, but try it and you will not regret; go dancing with the family, play outdoor games, or better still, go on an “exercise date” – a growing trend!!!!
- Puts the ‘Zap’ back into Sex
- Exercise improves circulation, which leads to more satisfying sex
- Men who exercise are less likely to have erectile problems
- The increase in energy and self-confidence from exercising may also contribute to better sex.
- Improves Posture and Poise
- Resistance, together with cardiovascular exercise, is known to help tone our muscles and reduce body fat.
- Tired of that nagging backache? Try exercising to reduce your ‘pot belly’, and notice the pain disappear.
- Breathing well, less fat, and firm muscles all lead to better posture and eventually fewer aches and pains.
Generally, the more exercise you do, the more you benefit. Walking briskly for half-an-hour most days of the week is all you need to significantly lower your risk of colon cancer and diabetes, for example. Need to win a contest? That is a different story altogether.
Let’s all make small changes from TODAY!
Dr. Kojo Essel
Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness nutrition and corrective exercise.
Moms’ Health Club
