Benefits of Exercise

some of the major benefits, both physical and mental,

that an exercise program can bring to your life. Let's start with the physical benefits. Number

one, cardiovascular and respiratory improvement. Over time, you end up strengthening the cardiac

the muscle that surrounds your heart, you also pump a greater volume of blood with each stroke, which

causes a decrease in resting heart rate, you develop a lot more red blood cells, which improves your

ability to bring oxygen to your muscles, and your lungs become stronger and better at supplying your

body with the oxygen it needs. Number two is the reduction in health risk factors. Regular exercise can reduce

your risk of cardiovascular disease, developing type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Research

also shows that active people have a lower risk of colon and breast cancer, and regular exercise

can also increase your chances of living longer. Number three is increased metabolic rate. Metabolic

rate is the rate at which your body burns calories. During exercise, you obviously burn

more calories than when at rest, however, your metabolic rate at rest is enhanced even after

your workout session is completed, as your body uses energy to repair muscle and replenish ATP

storage and glycogen storage. This does depend on several factors, including the intensity of

the exercise and your current fitness level. Number four is decreased risk of falls. Incorporating balance,

coordination and muscle-strengthening activities in your exercise program can improve your motor

skills, thus reducing the risk of falling. Number five is the bone health improvement. Impact

activities, such as plyometrics and jumping, and resistance training, can slow the loss of bone

density that comes with age. Playing sports that involve running and jumping can be advantageous

as well. Number six is weight loss and reduced obesity. Physical activity can be a key part

of a complete weight management plan to avoid excessive fat gain, and to maintain a healthy

weight. Regular exercise burns more calories and increases muscle mass, both of which are

key to weight loss and weight maintenance. Now let's take a look at the mental benefits. Number

one, increased feelings of well-being. Exercising enhances the action of endorphins and enkephalins,

which improves natural immunity, and reduces the perception of pain. Regular exercise can also

improve mood, feelings of having more energy, and overall quality of life. Number two, better sleep.

Research has shown that regular exercise helps people fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper

sleep, it can also improve sleep duration, and decrease middle-of-the-night wake up's, providing

a better overall sleep quality. Number three, is better brain function. Regular exercise can

reduce fatigue, which can improve alertness and concentration, physical activity improves

blood circulation, which delivers oxygen to the brain at a faster pace, which leads to sharper

thinking. Number four is increased self-esteem. Regular exercise can improve your body shape,

increasing your confidence in your appearance, thus increasing your self-esteem. Exercise also

promotes a sense of accomplishment, which can increase your confidence in taking on other

tasks in your life. And that is some of the major physical and mental benefits of an exercise program.

it is definitely important to consider the holistic effects of exercise. It's not just about looking good, it's also about feeling good! It also helps develop virtues: you really have to push forward through difficulty, becoming a better person in the process!