No. 1: Exercise controls
weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain
weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more
intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside
large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do
an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by
taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.
No. 2:
Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood
pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density
lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy
triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which
decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical
activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and
concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression,
certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
No. 3:
Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a
stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help.
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling
happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and
yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and
improve your self-esteem.
No. 4:
Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical
activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise
and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help
your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs
work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
No. 5: Exercise promotes
better sleep
Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical
activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't
exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.
No. 6:
Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical
intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking
better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to
it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women.
And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile
dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.
No. 7:
Exercise can be fun
Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some
time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in
activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect
with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the
hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and
just do it. If you get bored, try something new.
The bottom
line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better,
gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30
minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet
specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with
your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any
health concerns.
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