As a nation, we are getting fat, and this trend brings with it a host of health-related problems. One way to counteract this worrying trend is to start exercising regularly. You would like to do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 4 times a week, this is a physical activity that makes you sweat and your heart beat faster, such as running, swimming, and cycling. If you combine it with a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and salt, then you really are living a healthy lifestyle.
Top Health Benefits of Regular Exercise
Let’s take a look at the many health benefits that can be derived from regular exercise:
1. Good news for your heart
Your heart is like any other muscle in your body and it needs a good workout regularly. Exercising regularly will help strengthen your heart and keep it healthy, reducing your risk of developing heart disease. Have you also noticed your breathing and how you struggle to climb hills and stairs, when you lead a sedentary lifestyle? Exercise develops your cardiovascular system and increases lung capacity, making you feel much fitter.
2. Exercise burns calories
Lack of regular exercise is one of the main factors in the increase in obesity levels, along with a poor diet rich in saturated fat. Exercise is a great way to burn calories and lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Exercise will increase your metabolism, so your body will burn calories faster, even for hours after your exercise session ends. Regular physical exercise will also lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Exercise helps you sleep
When it comes to the vital things your body needs, sleep falls short of food, water, and oxygen. Exercising can improve your quality of sleep, but try to avoid vigorous exercise in the last 3-4 hours before bedtime, as this can affect your sleep.
4. Exercise makes you feel good
When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that make you feel great. This is the good feeling you get when you finish a session, the hardest part of the exercise is getting started. Regular exercise is a great way to deal with all the stress that comes with life.
5. Exercise can give your life purpose.
Exercise can also be a great hobby that can greatly enrich your life. Your love of running can lead to marathons and fun races, where you have the opportunity to raise money for charity. The same can happen with cycling or swimming, you could end up joining a club and competing at a high level while getting fit and healthy at the same time.
So now is the time to get moving, get active, and start experiencing the top health benefits of regular exercise.