What are the benefits of regular exercise?
There are many reasons why exercise is good for you! Not only does exercise improve your personal appearance but it also makes you feel good about yourself! Although many benefits accrue from participating in a regular fitness and wellness program and active people generally live longer there is one even more important reason why you should
exercise. Probably the greatest benefit of all is that physically fit individuals enjoy a better quality of life. Wouldn’t you like to be one of those people who live life to its fullest, with fewer health problems than inactive individuals (who also may indulge in other negative lifestyle behaviors).
The following list is a summary of some of the benefits you can gain from participating in a fitness and wellness program. Grab your sneakers and let’s start today! The time is now …
Improves and strengthens the cardiorespiratory system.
Maintains better muscle tone, muscular strength, and endurance.
Improves muscular flexibility.
Enhances athletic performance.
Helps maintain recommended body weight.
Helps preserve lean body tissue.
Increases resting metabolic rate.
Improves the body’s ability to use fat during physical activity.
Improves posture and physical appearance.
Improves functioning of the immune system.
Lowers the risk for chronic diseases and illness (such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer).
Decreases the mortality rate from chronic diseases.
Thins the blood so it doesn’t clot as readily (thereby decreasing the risk for coronary heart disease and strokes).
Helps the body manage cholesterol levels more effectively.
Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Helps prevent and control diabetes.
Helps achieve peak bone mass in young adults and maintain bone mass later in life, thereby decreasing the risk for osteoporosis.
Helps people sleep better.
Helps prevent chronic back pain.
Relieves tension and helps in coping with life stresses.
Raises levels of energy and job productivity.
Extends longevity and slows down the aging process.
Promotes psychological well-being, better morale, self image, and self-esteem.
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
Encourages positive lifestyle changes (improving nutrition, quitting smoking, controlling alcohol and drug use).
Speeds recovery time following physical exertion.
Speeds recovery following injury or disease.
Regulates and improves overall body functions.
Improves physical stamina and counteracts chronic fatigue.
Helps to maintain independent living, especially in older adults.
Enhances quality of life; people feel better and live a healthier and happier life.
