The 12 Unknown Importance of Exercise

Today we are going to be discussing about the importance of exercise. Many of us are aware of the fact that exercise is important in our daily lives, but we may not know why or what exercise can do for us.

We have all heard it many times before – regular exercise is good for you, and it can help you lose weight. The good news is that if you can do it, the payoff is that you will feel better, help prevent or control many diseases, and likely even live longer.

First and foremost we need to understand what exactly is exercise.

What is Exercise?

Exercise is defined as any movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories.

There are many types of physical activity, including swimming, running, jogging, walking and dancing, to name a few.

Being active has been shown to have many health benefits, both physically and mentally. It may even help you live longer.

Tips to Remember:

Aside from the importance of exercise, here are some tips you also need to remember:

-Exercise offers incredible benefits that can improve nearly every aspect of your health from the inside out.

-Regular physical activity can increase the production of hormones that make you feel happier and help you sleep better.

-It can also improve your skin’s appearance, help you lose weight and keep it off, lessen the risk of chronic disease and improve your sex life.

-Whether you practice a specific sport or follow the guideline of 150 minutes of activity per week, you will inevitably improve your health in many ways.

-Talk to your doctor before doing high intensity and resistance training.

-Get a personal trainer if you are a beginner to prevent injuries.

-Wear comfortable clothes and proper shoes.

-Consume a pre-workout meal at least 45-60 minutes before your workout.

-Consume carbs post-workout within the two-hour window.

-Have protein-rich meals.

-Do fewer reps but focus on precision.

-Increase the sets and reps gradually.

-Do not lift heavy weights right on the first day.

-Keep going.

Read Also: The Six (6) Unique Importance of Physical Exercise

The Benefits of Exercise or The 12 Unknown Importance of Exercise

Below are some of the basic the importance of exercise:

Exercise increases energy levels

Exercise improves both the strength and the efficiency of your cardiovascular system to get the oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. When your cardiovascular system works better everything seems easier and you have more energy for the fun stuff in life.

Exercise improves muscle strength

Staying active keeps muscles strong and joints, tendons and ligaments flexible, allowing you to move more easily and avoid injury. Strong muscles and ligaments reduce your risk of joint and lower back pain by keeping joints in proper alignment. They also improve coordination and balance.

Exercise can help you to maintain a healthy weight

The more you exercise, the more calories you burn. In addition, the more muscle you develop, the higher your metabolic rate becomes, so you burn more calories even when you’re not exercising. The result? You may lose weight and look better physically which will boost your self-esteem.

Exercise improves brain function

Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain. It also encourages the release of the brain chemicals (hormones) that are responsible for the production of cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory and learning. This, in turn, boosts concentration levels and cognitive ability, and helps reduce the risk of cognitive degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

There is overwhelming evidence that people who lead active lifestyles are less likely to suffer from illness and more likely to live longer.

Exercise is good for your heart

Exercise reduces LDL cholesterol (the type that clogs your arteries), increases HDL (the good cholesterol) and reduces blood pressure so it lowers the stress on your heart. Added to this, it also strengthens your heart muscle. Combined with a healthy diet, exercise lowers the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Regular exercise lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Regular exercise helps to control blood glucose levels, which helps to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Additionally exercise helps to prevent obesity, which is a primary factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Read Also: 10 Best Exercises for Everyone

Exercise enhances your immune system

Exercise improves your body’s ability to pump the oxygen and nutrients around your body that are required to fuel the cells that fight bacteria and viruses.

Staying active reduces the likelihood of developing some degenerative bone diseases

Weight bearing exercise such as running, walking or weight training lowers your risk of both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis because the adage of “use it or lose it” really does apply to bones.

Exercise may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers

Being fit may mean that the risks of colon cancer, breast cancer and possibly also lung and endometrial cancers are reduced. Studies by the Seattle Cancer Research Centre have suggested that 35% of all cancer deaths are linked to being overweight and sedentary.

Exercise not only makes you physically fitter but it also improves your mental health and general sense of well-being.

Active people tend to sleep better

Physical activity makes you more tired so you’re more ready to sleep. Good quality sleep helps improve overall wellness and can reduce stress.

Exercise improves your mood and gives you an improved sense of well-being

Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins which make you feel better and more relaxed. These in turn improve your mood and lower your stress levels.

Exercise can help prevent and treat mental illnesses like depression

Physical activity can help you meet people, reduce stress levels, cope with frustration, give you a sense of achievement, and provide some important “me time”, all of which help with depression.

Am certain that by now, you are now aware of some of the amazing importance of exercise, therefore start exercising today and have fun!

Reference: https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/importance-of-physical-activity/index.html