The Awesome Benefits of Exercise

Do you want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer?  Well, look no further.  Exercise, as simple as it sounds, could be your answer.

The merits of exercise, from preventing chronic health conditions to boosting your confidence and self-esteem are hard to ignore.  Regardless of age, sex or physical ability, the awesome benefits of exercise are yours for the taking.  Regular exercise and physical activity are extremely important and beneficial for long-term health and well-being.

Making exercise a daily part of your life may be the very best thing you ever did for yourself.  Take a look at the merits of regular exercise and begin to improve your life.

• Exercise Improves Your Mood  -  Are you having a stressful day?  A 30 minute workout can do wonders for releasing stress and help you calm down.  Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.  You’ll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.  Exercise also reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
• Exercise Combats Chronic Diseases -  Are you worried about heart disease and osteoporosis?  Well, exercise may be the answer.  Regular exercise can help you prevent, or manage high blood pressure and lower your cholesterol.  Exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.  This process keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.  Regular exercise can also prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
• Exercise Helps You Manage Your Weight – Reduce body fat and drop those unwanted pounds.  Trade some TV couch time for walking or other physical activities.  When you exercise, you burn calories.  The more intensely you exercise, the more calories you burn and the easier it is to keep your weight under control.  There are many easy exercise you can do that don’t take up much of your time.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Walk during your lunch break with a friend.  Do jumping jacks during commercials.  Shut the TV off and take a brisk walk.  Try to exercise at least 3 – 4 times a week.
• Exercise Strengthens Your Heart and Lungs – Are you out of breath from household chores or climbing the stairs?  Regular exercise can help you breathe easier.  Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.  In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system, the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels, work more efficiently.  Many studies show that brisk walking for 30 minutes each day can reduce the risk of developing both cardiovascular disease and diabetes by at least 30 percent.  When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
• Exercise Promotes Better Sleep – Physical activity might help you fall asleep and stay asleep.  A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood.  And, exercise is the key to better sleep.  The timing is up to you, but if you’re having trouble sleeping, you might want to try late afternoon workouts.  The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you fall asleep.
• Exercise Can Put The Spark  Back Into Your Sex Life -  If you’re feeling too tired to have sex or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy, exercise is the answer.  Regular exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life.  Exercise improves your circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex.  Men who exercise regularly are less likely  to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise, especially as they get older.
• Exercise Can Be Fun – Get the whole family involved.  Visit a park and hike a trail on a Saturday afternoon or go on a bike ride.  Exercise doesn’t have to be a drag.  Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym.  Take your pet for a long walk or run.  Gather the neighbor kids and play kickball or touch football.  Find an activity that you all enjoy and just do it.  Be creative and enjoy your family and friends.

In conclusion, statistics indicate that 70 percent of North American adults do not get enough exercise.  The combination of more sedentary behaviors and increased caloric intake is believed to be the major reason for the current epidemic of obesity.

Antoinette DePierro is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Health and Fitness Consultant.  She adds inspiratiion and motivation to her fitness profession and to anyone who wants to regain their confidence and change their attitude to fulfill their goals and dreams.  She believes that exercise, proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle changes are priceless in creating a prosperous and purposeful life.