Exercise is any kind of physical activity that gets our bodies moving, makes us breath faster and speeds up our heart rate. It is essential for optimal physical and mental health and overall wellbeing at any age. Why? Because the human body is designed and has evolved to be regularly active. However, although being active is important for good health and wellbeing, 1 in 2 adults in Australia do not meet physical activity and exercise guidelines.
Why is it important to include regular exercise in our daily routine? Let’s look at four reasons why:
Exercise and Weight Management
Although many factors affect weight loss, engaging in physical activity has a significant influence on our metabolism. Exercise increases our body’s metabolic rate and can also help to boost a slow metabolism. This increase in metabolism helps us to burn more calories and ultimately assists with maintaining a healthy weight.
Increases Energy Levels
It may sound strange, but exercise can help you feel more energised. Exercise improves the flow of oxygen throughout the body. This increase in oxygen helps the body produce more energy, and to use that energy more efficiently. In addition, the rise in hormone levels caused by exercise gives your body a boost, making you feel more invigorated.
Reduces Risk of Disease
Engaging in regular physical activity reduces the risk of many types of cancer such as bowel, colon, breast, and liver. In addition, physical fitness decreases the risk and severity of many diseases such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. According to the National Heart Foundation of Australia, even just walking for an average of 30 minutes each day lowers the risk of heart disease. It also reduces the risk of stroke by 35% and Type 2 diabetes by 40%.
Makes You Feel Good
Regular exercise also benefits your emotional and psychological wellbeing. Being physically activity stimulates the production of endorphins in our brain. These are feel-good chemicals that are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This release of endorphins helps to improve our mood, feel relaxed and even lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels.
Plus, regular exercise has many other benefits for our health too such as boosting brain health, keeping bones strong, strengthening muscle, and improving sleep quality. So, if there was ever a time to start exercising, it is now! There’s no denying that exercise is good for your body.
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