7 Amazing Health Benefits of Exercise
Your body was made to move, and yet so many people still fail to exercise regularly. However, if you’re serious about your health, regular exercise can have all kinds of amazing benefits. Exercise can not only make you feel more energetic and improve your mood, but it also helps with everything from mental health and social well-being to reducing your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer!
So what are the seven amazing health benefits of exercise? Let’s take a look!
1) Boosts brain power
Exercise not only boosts brain power, but it can also help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study found that people who exercised for 30 minutes a day, three times a week for six months had less stress and tension than those who didn’t exercise. Exercise has been shown to relieve pain, improve mood, increase energy levels, regulate sleep cycles and boost the immune system.
2) Reduces stress
Exercise can reduce stress by releasing endorphins and reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also boosts mood by flooding the body with feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine and reduces feelings of anxiety.
3) Lowers risk of chronic disease
Exercise is the single most important thing you can do to lower your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other chronic conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. Moderate-intensity exercise is like brisk walking while vigorous-intensity exercise is like jogging or running.
4) Can be fun
Exercise is one of those things that people can sometimes feel like they don't have time to do. But there are so many incredible benefits to exercise! It can help with weight loss, lower your blood pressure, and improve your mood. Plus it's just plain fun! And it feels amazing when you push yourself a little further than you thought you could go.
5) Eases pain
Exercise can help ease pain by releasing natural painkillers called endorphins. Plus, because physical activity increases blood flow, it can reduce the stiffness and achiness associated with various conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
6) Improves sleep
Exercise can improve sleep quality, and duration, and reduce daytime sleepiness. One study found that adults who exercised for 30 minutes a day experienced less difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep than those who were inactive. Regular exercise may also help you sleep better by decreasing levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that is released when you’re tired.
7) Increases energy
Exercise is a great way to increase your energy and make you feel more alive. By exercising, you are getting your blood pumping and giving yourself a mental break from the day. You will also be able to sleep better at night because exercise releases endorphins that help calm you down.
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