What is the cheapest way to gain energy, reduce hospital bills, and get the most out of life? Exercise, of course! Not only will it get your body looking great, but you’ll also experience benefits in your daily life too- not to mention, moderate exercise is a great immune booster. Now is better than later, so get moving while at home (we listed these great YouTube workouts and free apps) so you can enjoy the laundry list of health benefits of exercise for yourself! Here are the top 10 benefits of exercise while you social distance due to COVID-19, and a good habit to keep up with well beyond!
Mood booster
Endorphins are a chemical naturally produced by the body, also known as “feel good” chemicals, endorphins have the ability to boost your mood. Exercise increases the levels of endorphins in the body. It also lowers the risk of depression by 30%.
Weight loss
Of course, exercise has weight loss effects. Cardio, HIIT weight training, and walking are all types of exercises that can constitute weight loss. Weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit, you can increase the calories you burn from running or walking a mile a day.
Brain health and memory
Regular exercise can improve cognitive functions. Studies have shown that parts of the brain that controls thinking and memory have greater volume in those that exercise than those who don’t. In order to improve your mental capacity try any form of intense exercise for 120 minutes a week. Exercise can lower the risk of dementia by 30%.
Reduce risk of chronic disease
It is proven that lack of exercise is a major reason for chronic disease. Cardiac arrest and other heart diseases can easily be avoided if the heart is strengthened through exercise. Here are some chronic disease statistics associated with exercise:
- up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
- up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer
Improve quality of life
Exercising can improve your quality of life by lowering the risk of diseases and sicknesses. Exercise makes your heart, lungs and various other organs stronger, it also helps you live longer. Those who exercise have a 30% lower risk of early death.
Skin health
The key to proper skin health is an adequate flow of blood containing nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. A health benefit of exercise, as you may know, encourages blood flow throughout your body, including the skin (hence the appearance of red, particularly in the face after vigorous exercise). Exercise also has the ability to make one appear younger.
Increase energy levels
What is exercise without energy? It might seem counterintuitive that exercise increases energy and fights fatigue, but it truly does. The increased blood flow has the ability to deliver energy-boosting vitamins and minerals to all parts of the body.
Good for muscle and bone health
Exercise now to prepare for your future! As you age your bones and muscle go through changes that may cause them to be weaker than in your youth. Regular exercise increases bone density and strengthens your muscles. Those who exercise regularly have an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis, a 68% lower risk of hip fracture and a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults).
Improves sleep quality
There is solid evidence that exercise can improve sleep quality. Endorphins, yes this chemical again. Endorphins regulate your sleep schedule, it also helps you stay alert, as stated earlier exercise encourages a release of endorphins throughout the body. Exercising helps you sleep deeper, and deep sleep in return helps one to feel refreshed in the morning.
Reduce pain
Yes, Exercising in moderation can relieve and reduce pain. Crazy right? Exercise is important, especially for those who suffer from joint pain and diseases like arthritis. Inactivity is also a cause of pain, therefore remaining physically active can reduce and relieves pain.
