Introduction
To put it simply, regular exercise is extremely important to people of all ages. From children to teenagers to adults of all ages, everyone should engage in some form of physical activity for a number of beneficial reasons. Let’s go through these crucial points to see why exercise is so worth the effort and time you invest in it.
Physical Health
Worried about contracting common non-infectious age-related diseases such as heart disease, high cholesterol, blood pressure, or type-2 diabetes? Well, you don’t have to be if you are engaging in some form of regular exercise. It is known to provide immediate and long-term health benefits. This would keep the doctor away thus saving money on medical expenses. It is known to boost the immune system thereby increasing your resilience to various ailments while promoting a healthier and longer life.
Strength and Fitness
Engaging in some form of physical activity increases blood circulation in the body. It can strengthen your muscles, joints, and bones thereby increasing your strength, stamina, coordination, stability, and flexibility. This also helps prevent the loss of bone and muscle density as you age. Keep George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote in mind: we don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. On the other hand, if you led a sedentary lifestyle as you grow older, even a simple fall could do you some terrible damage such as breaking bones. Being physically fit means that you would find it easier to go about your other activities such as carrying your groceries, taking part in another sport, climbing a flight of stairs, going on a hiking trip, etc.
Healthy weight
Exercise burns calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. This increased metabolism would help you maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). Simply put, this means that you could maintain a healthy weight and a great physique at the same time which would boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Regular physical exertion is also known to help regulate sleep patterns by aiding you to get better, deeper, and more relaxed sleep.
Mental and Emotional Health
Exercise not only improves your physical health and appearance, but it can work wonders on your mental and emotional health too. Engaging in physical activity releases hormones such as endorphins which help relieve stress, tension, lethargy and bring about a feeling of well-being. That is why you feel so great and refreshed after a workout. Research has found that regular exercise helps maintain mental health and emotional well-being. It boosts your mood, concentration, and focus.
Working up a sweat could help reduce frustration or negative thoughts from other aspects of your life and make you feel better overall. Exercise could also raise your energy levels thus increasing your self-esteem and coping ability regarding other stressful situations in your life. Multiple scientific studies have shown that physical activity aids in treating depression and anxiety effectively; just like antidepressant medication but without any side effects. Exercise promotes the development of brain cells. This reduces age-related decline helping to retain the mind’s sharpness and clarity as you age.
Be creative
So, if you’ve been leading a sedentary life, it’s time to start exercising to improve your quality of life. A busy schedule is not an excuse to not exercise. At least some physical activity is better than none at all. You could begin with gentle exercises such as walking, and then gradually progress to more challenging exercises. If the workout seems too easy, try to level up and vice versa. Make an attempt to make exercising a regular routine of your life.
If you are too stuck for time, try some creative ways to exercise such as:
- taking the stairs instead of the elevator in the office
- speed up your household chores
- stretch while watching television
- take regular breaks from sitting by walking around
- cycle instead of traveling by car.
Final thoughts
Consider physical movement a necessity for your physical and mental well-being.
Ensure that you engage in both aerobic activity such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming, and resistance training such as lifting free weights or body weight.
Remember to first consult a healthcare professional before engaging in any physical training regime, especially if you haven’t exercised in a long while, or have some other concerns regarding your health. Engaging in regular exercise would make you more resilient and keep you from resorting to drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or other negative behaviors. Remember to always listen to your body: when to train and when to rest. Commit to stuff and above all never give up. It would help you to lead a long, healthy, and happy life so let’s start exercising today.