The Lifelong Benefits of
Physical Exercise
Stop procrastinating and start exercising! The
benefits of physical fitness are just too great to ignore.
Feel better,
look younger, and live longer. It's no catchphrase - these are actual benefits
of regular exercise. People with high levels of physical fitness are at lower
risk of dying from a variety of causes, according to medical studies. Through correct
exercise along with proper nutrition, hygiene and rest, good health helps us
achieve a high quality of life.
Physical
Fitness: What the Benefits of Exercise Mean for You
There's additional
good news. Research also shows that exercise enhances sleep, prevents weight
gain, and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and even depression.
"One
study found that when breast cancer survivors engaged in exercise, there were
marked improvements in physical activity, strength, maintaining weight, and
social well-being."
"Another
study looked at patients with stable heart failure and determined that exercise
relieves symptoms, improves quality of life, reduces hospitalization, and in
some cases, reduces the risk of death."
Exercise
isn't just important for people who are already living with health conditions:
"If we can see benefits of moderate exercise in people who are recovering
from disease, we might see even greater benefits in those of us who are
generally well."
Physical
Fitness: Exercise Basics
Physical exercise
doesn't need to be strenuous to produce results. Even moderate exercise three
to four times a week can lead to lifelong health benefits.
When combining
more physical activity into your life, remember three simple guidelines:
- Exercise at moderate intensity for at least two and a half hours spread over the course of each week.
- Avoid periods of inactivity; some exercise at any level of intensity is better than none.
- At least twice a week, supplement cardio with weight-bearing activities that strengthen all major muscle groups.
Physical
Fitness: Making Exercise a Habit
The
number one reason most people say they don't exercise is lack of time. If you
find it hard to fit prolonged periods of exercise into your schedule, keep in
mind that short stints of physical activity in 10-minute segments will
nonetheless help you achieve health benefits. Even in the absence of weight
loss, relatively brief periods of exercise every day reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease.
Set
realistic goals and take small steps to fit more movement into your daily life,
such as walking to the grocery store instead of riding and taking the stairs
instead of the elevator. The key is to start gradually and be prepared.
To help
you stay with your new exercise habit, vary your routine, like running one day
and swimming the next. Get out and start a basketball or soccer game with your family
or friends. The trick is to get to the point where you look at exercise like a routine
activity such as brushing your teeth — as essential to your well-being.
Always remember
that physical fitness is attainable. Even with slight changes, you can gain great
rewards that will pay off for years to come. Health is wealth.
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