10 Benefits of Exercise & Ways To Get It

There are many benefits of exercise. Exercise is just not an option if you want to be healthy. The body needs to move. There’s no way around it. However, there are many different options you can choose from, according to your: age, fitness level, time available, and interest.It’s a little easier to be motivated to move if you focus on all the benefits you get from exercise. They include…

Better Sleep

Exercise has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, as well as reduce time spent awake during the night. Good sleep leads to alertness during the day, so you are less likely to get sleepy and foggy while engaged in daily activities.

Regular exercise also reduces our chances of being obese, which then reduces our chances of having sleep apnea.

Stronger Bones and Muscles

Regular exercise helps with keeping bones dense, and slows the rate of bone loss. Weight-bearing exercises are especially good, like walking, jogging, tennis, and weight lifting.

Reduced Anxiety and Depression

One of the best therapies for depression is movement. It’s hard to be in low spirits when you’ve stimulated the body systems. It changes one’s mindset for the better. The nervous system also achieves a better balance with movement, and that helps to reduce anxiety.

Aiding Weight Loss and Weight Management

Movement burns calories. The more calories we burn, the easier it is to lose weight. Every time we move, our metabolic rate goes up. Moving many times during the day helps to keep it up.

Stronger Immune System

Covid has shown the need for a strong immune system, one that can fight back when exposed to a foreign agent. Regular movement is important for keeping this system in tiptop shape.

Clearer Thinking

This is true for people at all age levels. Cognitive functioning improves after exercise. Your ability to learn new things and make good judgements stays sharp.

Lower Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Some Forms of Cancer

Chronic disease risk is lowered when we move the body regularly.

Aids In Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels

Exercise is good for the health of the heart. Blood pressure and lipid levels are two ways where exercise helps.

Greater Ease In Doing Daily Activities

Activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and playing with children and grandchildren stay easy with regular movement. As we get older, these activities become limited without exercise, as the body stiffens and movement becomes uncomfortable.

Greater Chance For A Longer Life

Mortality rate decreases with exercise. We have a greater chance of living longer and continuing to enjoy life.

Choose a Method That Works for You

There are many options to choose from. See what you like, are able to do, and what you have time for. Possibilities include: walking (safe for most people), bike riding, swimming, tennis, pickleball, weight-lifting, dancing (you can do it at home to some music), going up and down stairs, yoga, and aerobics classes.

It’s good to mix and match so that you get all types of exercise in. Harvard Medical School recommends that we include 4 types: aerobics, stretching, strength training, and exercises for balance.