Exercise does not have to be to reshape your body.
Here are its real benefits:
Controls and maintains a healthy weight
It can prevent weight gain and maintain weight loss as calories are burnt depending on the intensity of your activity.
Reduces risk of bad health conditions and diseases
Being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This makes sure that your blood flows smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Improves your mood!
Exercise provides an emotional lift and helps to blow off steam during stressful times. It stimulates various brain chemicals that can leave you feeling happier, a little more relaxed and boost your self-esteem. It increases your level of endorphin and also the body’s famous “feel good” chemical that produces feelings of happiness and euphoria.Even simple exercise throughout your week can help improve anxiety and depression, so much so that is is sometimes recommended as treatment for both before introducing medication
(If you are experiencing depression or anxiety, please consult a professional before any kind of treatment!)
Increase in energy
Physical activity can improve your muscle strength and enhance endurance. When you exercise, oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your tissues and assists your cardiovascular system in functioning at its best. With an improved heart and lung, you will have more energy to tackle every day activities.
Improvement in sleep
Regular physical activity assists in an improved sleeping pattern and helps you to fall asleep faster. Avoid exercise close to bedtime as you may have too much energy to fall asleep.
Things to remember:
→ If you can’t find a huge amount of time to exercise, it’s okay! Any amount of time is better than none at all
→ FInd small ways to involve exercise throughout your day, such as taking the stairs rather than the elevator.
→ Consistency is key!
→ Regular physical activity is vital. According to the World Health Organisation, it is recommended that you participate in at least 60 minutes of accumulated, moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
→ Activities can be spread out throughout the week.
→ If you aim to meet specific fitness goals, it is important you ramp up your activity and its intensity.
→Consult your GP beforehand! It is important you check with your doctor before beginning new exercise programmes, ask questions if you have concerns, have not exercised in a long time or have any health issues (such as heart problems, diabetes or arthritis).
Recommended websites from our very own expert, Ms Dew!
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