Physical activity is good for the body and mind. It improves the ability to perform daily tasks, increases energy levels and boosts confidence and self-esteem. It also helps reduce the risk of heart and circulatory diseases, as well as diabetes. In fact, it is the best prevention against these illnesses. Exercise can be anything from walking to playing sports, dancing or swimming. In addition to preventing disease, exercising regularly can help you feel better about yourself, reduce stress, improve sleep quality and enhance your mood. This is why people of all ages and abilities should make physical activity a regular part of their lifestyles.
The benefits of regular exercise are numerous, but the top 10 include:
Top 1: Increases brain power
Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This brings more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, while clearing away waste products. This allows the brain to function more efficiently, resulting in improved memory and cognitive ability. It also leads to the formation of new nerve cells and neurons, which may slow aging and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Top 2: Lowers stress
The body releases chemicals during exercise that can reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of tension. This can make you feel happier and more relaxed after a workout, which in turn can improve your concentration. It can also help you focus in school and learn more during lessons.
Top 3: Strengthens bones and muscles
Exercise helps strengthen the body’s bones and muscles, which can help prevent osteoporosis in older adults. It also reduces the risk of injuries and improves overall mobility and flexibility. The department of health and human services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and 75 minutes of muscle-strengthening activities each week. Moderate-intensity activity includes any activity that gets your heart beating faster, such as walking, swimming, biking or jogging. Muscle-strengthening activities include weight training, using resistance bands or your own body weight, or using free weights and machines at a fitness center.
Top 4: Improves digestion
Regular physical activity can help improve digestion by promoting normal blood flow throughout the body. This can help relieve constipation and diarrhea, as well as prevent colon cancer. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
5: Lowers oxidative damage
Oxidative damage is a normal part of the body’s process of breaking down and repairing proteins. However, excessive oxidation can result in premature skin aging and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, and depression. Research has shown that regular moderate exercise can reduce oxidative damage, which can protect against many diseases and improve quality of life.
Whether you are looking to prevent or manage a health condition, exercise can be an excellent solution. For example, it can help manage the symptoms of heart disease and diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity and quality of sleep, and increasing bone health and muscle strength. It can also help you quit smoking, decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and prevent excess weight gain.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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