How often have you heard your doctor tell you to exercise? If you’re like most people, it’s probably more often than you can count! There are many benefits of exercise, and not just weight loss, that can improve your quality of life. If you’re looking to get in shape or just maintain your health and fitness, remember that one of the best ways to reach your goals is through regular exercise and wellness habits. Here are some reasons why exercise is the best way to a healthy life.
Exercise Helps Protect Against Cognitive Decline
Exercising in midlife may be an easy way to help keep your brain fit, suggests a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers at Harvard University tracked physical activity and memory performance over 20 years in almost 7,000 women and nearly 5,000 men participating in three long-term studies. They found that people who exercised regularly at midlife (45 to 64 years old) had lower rates of cognitive decline than those who were sedentary.
Exercise Can Increase Memory Function
Working out releases endorphins and adrenaline, which flood your brain with feel-good chemicals. It also increases blood flow to your brain and improves communication between brain cells—an important thing if you want to remember something. And let’s not forget that exercise boosts overall fitness, which gives you more energy, making it easier to learn new things and even recall older memories. In fact, research shows that exercise can increase memory function in both young adults and older folks.
Exercise Reduces Risk Of Dementia
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality, all of which may help prevent dementia and other cognitive conditions. If you suffer from depression or anxiety—conditions that are often linked to dementia risk—exercise can also help alleviate these symptoms. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, either; research suggests that light activity like walking or gardening may also reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Better Sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep helps your brain function properly. It also contributes to better overall health, fitness, and weight management. Aim for a minimum of seven hours each night. If you have trouble sleeping, exercise earlier in the day may help; exercise raises body temperature which can be disruptive if it occurs before bedtime.
Increase Energy
Regular exercise increases energy, not only during a workout but throughout your day. Exercise revs up your heart rate and metabolism, and it can stimulate hormones that make you feel happier. These changes often lead to an overall feeling of increased energy. Additionally, exercise causes your muscles to use glucose (blood sugar) as fuel instead of converting it into fat cells. There’s nothing like a good workout to get rid of those nasty hunger pangs.
Improves Happiness
Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to relieve anxiety and stress. A study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that individuals who practiced yoga three times a week for six months had increased feelings of happiness and well-being compared to those who did not practice yoga. As a result, people who practice yoga are often happier than those who do not.
Keeps The Brain Young
Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s also good for your brain. One 2011 study found that older adults who did aerobic exercise at least three times a week had larger volumes of gray matter in certain regions of their brains than those who were sedentary. Another 2013 study published in NeuroImagefound that even one session of aerobic exercise helped preserve memory among older adults.
Exercising Could Lower Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke
Exercise is one of those things that’s so good for you, there really doesn’t seem to be any reason not to do it. But there may be more than one way you can get your exercise fix—you don’t necessarily have to do exercise in order to reap all of its health benefits.
Exercise Increases Mood-Boosting Endorphins
Exercise may boost endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. Increased production of endorphins may help counteract depression and anxiety, as well as increase overall mood.
Burns Calories & Fat Quicker Than Resting
If you’re trying to lose weight, exercise is your ally. Not only does it help keep blood sugar under control, it also burns more calories and fat than even resting. Cardiovascular exercises like running and cycling are proven weight-loss powerhouses; if you want a challenge, try strength training with weights or bodyweight exercises. You don’t have to burn off all your fat in one go—even small amounts of extra exercise can make a big difference over time.
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