Facts On Fitness!!

Ok- now that you have a plan and hopefully have started putting to action, let me give you some good reasons to exercise.  Everybody knows that exercise is good for you, but do you know how good?  Here are some of the benefits of regular exercise:

1. Exercise improves your mood:Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that 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. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

 

2. Helps combat chronic illness: Regular physical activity can help you prevent, or manage, high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

 

3. Helps manage your weight: This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

 

4. Exercise boost your energy levels: Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system, the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels work more efficiently.  When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

 

5. Promotes better Sleep: A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood, and physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. 

 

6. Exercise can be fun! Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

 

- Tallie Bell