Those who aren’t used to exercising often make excuses for it, thinking it’s too boring or they simply don’t have time. However, exercise is the key to weight loss and weight management and has an impressive amount of health benefits, too!
In fact, exercise can help ward off chronic diseases like diabetes; help reduce pain, such as backaches and can even reduce stress and make you a healthier person in both mind and body.
Exercise for Weight Loss - Even minimal exercise a few times a week can help you meet your weight loss goals when combined with a healthy diet. Choose an activity you enjoy, such as bike riding, and make an effort to work out at least 30 minutes three times a week. Most health practitioners recommend at least an hour per day of physical activity, but any exercise is better than none at all.
If your life seems to hectic to work out for an extended period of time, even short bursts of physical activity throughout the day can help you reap the benefits. Try going for short 10 or 15 minute walks or working in the garden.
Exercise for Disease Prevention - We already know that a regular exercise plan can help with long-term weight management, but exercise can also ward off chronic diseases too. For example, those who exercise regularly have lower incidences of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Why? Because exercise strengthens your heart muscle and helps lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and makes your heart function better than those who do not engage in any physical activity.
Those who suffer from diabetes or are at risk for Type II Diabetes can also control or prevent the disease with regular exercise. People who have diabetes can benefit with regular physical activity and reap the rewards of lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.Additionally, older people can help stave off osteoporosis with regular exercise, too! With a healthy diet rich in Vitamin D, calcium and exercise, weight-bearing activities (jogging, walking, stair climbing, etc.) can actually help strengthen bones and prevent bone loss.
Exercise for Pain - Those who suffer from chronic pain, such as back pain, can also benefit from exercise. While people who are in pain might not feel they can really participate in any physical activity, that simply isn’t the case. Strong abdominal muscles, flexibility and improved muscle function can help alleviate back pain and make you healthier overall. Speak with your doctor about an exercise program that will work for you without further injuring your back.
Exercise for Stress - Our lives are chaotic, but exercise can actually help boost your mood and make you a happier person overall. Plus, those who are meeting their weight loss or fitness goals also benefit from improved self-esteem. Those who suffer from anxious feelings or depression can also benefit from regular exercise, because physical activity makes you have a more positive outlook on life and yourself.
Regular exercise not only helps you maintain your weight, but can also prevent or reduce your risk for many chronic conditions, pain and emotional problems. With so many reasons to exercise, why wouldn’t you start working on a path towards a happier and healthier you?
