Five essential benefits to exercise
Photo courtesy of medimanage.com
There are many benefits to exercise, which is never a bad thing. When putting a list together, I thought it would be a good idea to break it down into areas that people feel would improve areas of concern. As a result, here is five significant areas that exercise can correct or refine:
1. Reduces the risk of cancer
Did that catch your eye? I hope it did. According to fredhutch.org, in more than two dozen studies, 30-40 percent of woman who exercise lower the risk of breast cancer than those who are sedentary. High estrogen levels increase the risk of this form of cancer, but exercise lowers it, as well as factors such as insulin. For men, colon cancer can be reduced by 20 percent or more compared to sedentary counterparts. Along with lowering insulin levels as previously stated for women, exercise reduces the cancer growth factor body fat and chronic inflammation to improve DNA repair.
2. Less stress and pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise reduces stress by releasing endorphins. These neurotransmitters, found in the pituitary gland, have been suggested as modulators of the so-called “runner’s high” that athletes achieve with prolonged exercise. It leads to a feeling of euphoria modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune system. Along with less stress, a person can also feel less pain in the body.
3. More Energy
Are your everyday activities tiring you out? Need a boost of energy? Well, exercise is the diagnosis. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues to help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently to improve muscle strength and boost your endurance. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.
4. Improved Sleep
Ever done a demanding physical activity and your body is just out of it? Well, it’s trying to tell you that sleep is needed. Regular exercise can assist in falling asleep faster and deepen your sleep as a way for your body to recover. Just one thing: Don’t exercise just before bed as you may be too energized and be up all night. If the early morning doesn’t work, the hours of 3-7pm are most ideal.
5. Improved Self-Confidence
With the above-mentioned benefits to regular exercise, as well as being more fit, how can someone not feel good about themselves? You will look better, feel good, and have a sense of accomplishment.
A very short and simple list, but each is of most importance to produce a new, better, more efficient YOU.
