Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is an important part of maintaining health and wellness.
A few benefits of exercise:
- Regular exercise helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise burns calories, which leads to weight loss. Even short amounts of physical activity, such as climbing stairs or walking, can be helpful. Try to increase your activity each day, aiming for a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise daily.
- Exercise helps manage many health conditions and diseases.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, musculo-skeletal issues, arthritis, and falls can all be prevented or at least better managed and controlled with regular exercise.
- Exercise improves mood.
- Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
- Exercise boosts energy.
- Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
- Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.
- Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life.
- Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time, to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.
The bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits, and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have health concerns.
Credit: Mayo Clinic
