Whether your a health nut or lead a sedentary lifestyle, everyone can benefit from physical activity. You stumbled upon this post to learn about the benefits of physical activity for you, a loved one, or for your children. Did you know that more than 80% of adults don’t get the required amount of physical activity recommend exercise? This statistic is quite alarming but you can do something now to change this statistic around. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults get an average of 2.5 hours of moderate or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
If you aren’t currently active, it is very important that you start slowly especially if you are sedentary. Starting a rigorous exercise program such as running when you are out of shape can trigger health problems, especially cardiac. The episode is not likely to happen when you are doing the activity but you’re at the highest risk just shortly after you have completed the activity. Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Starting an exercise program today will drastically improve your health and make you feel better. Here are the top five health benefits of physical activity.
Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Did you know that heart disease is one of the top causes of death? If you aren’t getting in the required amount of exercise or more, then you are increasing your odds of developing heart disease. Starting an exercise routine, even walking, will help decrease your chances of developing heart disease. Plus, exercise helps reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol too.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes or Other Metabolic Disorders
Did you know that type 2 diabetes usually goes undetected unless patients go to the doctor with these symptoms: increased urination, excessive thirst, rapid weight loss (ie 15 to 20 lbs in a few months), excessive hunger pangs, new or weird skin problems, cuts that are healing too slowly, frequent yeast infections, usual fatigue despite getting enough sleep, increased irritability, blurry vision or floaters in the eye (eye doctors usually find diabetes before your regular physician), tingling or numbness. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor so that they can order a simple blood test to determine if you have problems with your blood sugar.
A metabolic disorder can happen when you meet a combination of factors including:
- Hereditary
- Extra weight especially around your midsection
If you already have diabetes or a metabolic disorder, regular exercise can help control your blood sugar.
Strengthen Your Bones and Muscles
The older you get the more important it is for you to protect your bones, joints, and muscles. Physical activity helps keep your body moving so that you can continue to do your day to day activities. As you age, the density of your bones changes but staying active helps slow this process down.
Hip fractures are fairly common in older adults and it can be a life-altering injury. Regular exercise when you are younger can lower your risk for hip injuries later in life.
Arthritis can also be a debilitating but gentle exercise can help improve your symptoms and help manage your pain. If you do have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain, please talk to your doctor first before starting an exercise program. While exercise is good for you, it is very important for you to choose the right program and learn your limitations first.
Regular Exercise Helps you Control Your Weight
If you’re looking to exercise in order to lose weight, you are on the right path to improving your overall health. People who workout and eat healthy are more likely to lose weight and keep it off.
Losing the Weight – In order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in, including any exercise that you did each day. It takes a deficit of 3500 calories to lose 1 pound. In order to create a deficit, you will either need to eat fewer calories or increase your physical activity. Apps such as My Fitness Pal or activity trackers are a great way to monitor your daily food and drink consumption and your activity levels. A buddy is very beneficial when it comes to losing weight because they can continue to encourage you when life gets tough. Most trainers and fitness experts don’t recommend husband and wife partners, you are better off working out with a friend, a group of friends, or an accountability partner.
Maintaining your Weight – Once you have reached your desired weight, you will need to continue exercising or eating even few calories than you did when you were losing weight.
Increase your Chances of Living Longer
Eating healthy and regular exercise increase your odds of living longer. You don’t even have to exercise vigorously your entire life to reap these benefits. Activities such as walking and swimming are just as effective especially if your have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic health problems. It is never too late to start exercising even if you have been sedentary for a long period of time.
Remember if you are just starting out or a regular health nut you can benefit from these top 5 health benefits of physical activity. Not only will you be physically fit but you will also feel better too!