Do I Really Need to Exercise?

Posted by H. Eric Alisch on

If your goal is to lead a healthy life then yes, proper physical exertion should be included as part of your daily activities. 

There are many benefits to regular exercise and I will point out some of the obvious as well as the not so obvious advantages.

Physical activity, such as an appropriate exercise regimen, on a regular basis may:

Strengthen your cardiac (heart) muscle and improve blood circulation. Proper circulation is vital to nourishing the various types of cells in your body. Oxygen levels become elevated which in turn can improve wound healing, vision, mental clarity, boost your immune system, help fight cancer cells, reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels and more. 

Improve your mood and sense of well-being. The body's release of certain chemicals during exercise can provide you with a relaxed feeling and an improved state of mind, allowing for better management of stress and reducing the potential risk of depression.

Stronger bones and muscles, achieved by weight-bearing physical activity, causes new bone tissue to form, making both bones and muscles stronger. Exercise is important for not only treating but also preventing osteoporosis. As you age, regular exercise can slow the loss of bone density which is part of the aging process. Increased muscle strength can assist with balance and coordination and lead to better overall health. 

A better night's sleep, after a day that included appropriate exercise, is definitely a benefit as you wake up to a new day.

Exercise, along with a proper diet, plays an important role in controlling body weight and preventing obesity. Keep in mind that if your goal is weight reduction, more calories must be 'burned' than consumed. Reduced blood sugar levels and increased insulin efficiency can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. If one of these conditions already exist, regular exercise can help manage the disease. 

 

If you do not exercise regularly, it's never too late to start. Depending upon your current physical condition and your fitness goals, you may want to consider consulting a physician to help determine a feasible starting point.  

Once you start exercising regularly you will want to track and log your activities. You will enjoy seeing the progress you make and feeling the positive results. A fitness tracker can help monitor results and keep you motivated.

A variety of exercise activities, a training partner, and music are a few ways you can make your fitness goals more enjoyable. If the weather is not to your liking or you would rather just stay indoors, almost any area inside your home can be used for your workout. From bands and grippers to free weights and even larger exercise equipment, you have no excuse to keep you from pursuing a better you.

Live Healthy!