How Does Exercise Improve Your Health?

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasoned gym rat, there are many benefits to exercising. Regular exercise lowers stress levels, improves blood sugar levels, builds muscle, and helps prevent heart disease. Whether you choose to walk, jog, or cycle, the benefits of exercise are vast. If you are still unsure of how exercise can improve your health, keep reading to discover how it can improve your life.

Exercise reduces stress

Exercising can reduce stress. Almost any type of physical activity can be helpful. A study conducted in 1998 looked at the effect of physical activity on stress levels. The women who exercised had lower levels of anxiety than those who did not. The researchers concluded that the benefits of exercise outweighed the negative effects of exercise. The study also found that people with chronic health conditions may have higher levels of stress. In addition, physical activity helps the body feel better, so many people find that it improves health and reduces stress.

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels by reducing the level of certain hormones in the blood. Exercise has also been shown to boost endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. A mere five minutes of aerobic exercise can trigger the release of these endorphins. Taking part in a game of tennis, taking a nature hike, or swimming laps can improve your mood. And don’t forget to include some exercise time every day, no matter what your age.

Exercise helps manage blood sugar

During a workout, your muscles require glucose from the bloodstream to meet the demands of the activity. Low-intensity exercise, on the other hand, requires the body to burn fat as the source of energy. While these short-term changes are not harmful, they do increase blood sugar levels. Moderate exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Moderate exercise does not need to be very strenuous, though intense exercises can temporarily increase blood sugar levels.

Before beginning an exercise routine, talk with your doctor. You will want to check your blood sugar levels before and after exercising. While exercise will lower your blood sugar, you may need to check them a day or two after your workout. Also, you should know the warning signs of low blood sugar, such as feeling tired, confused, or lightheaded. Your doctor can give you specific recommendations based on your personal needs and exercise preferences.

Exercise reduces risk of heart disease

A recent JAMA Cardiology article discusses how a single bout of vigorous exercise can protect the heart. In a nutshell, ischemic preconditioning occurs when a part of the body does not receive adequate blood flow. Ischemia is particularly harmful for the heart. While there are numerous benefits of exercise, it is important to note that it is not a cure for heart disease. Therefore, exercise should be undertaken in moderation and should be enjoyable.

Regular exercise has many benefits. Regular aerobic exercise, brisk walking, and elliptical machines are among the best ways to protect the heart. Walking for 60 to 90 minutes a week can significantly reduce your risk of coronary artery disease. Short sessions are just as beneficial as long workout sessions. A total of thirty minutes of moderate exercise per day is sufficient for this benefit. Ideally, you should break the activity into three ten-minute sessions. Remember, however, that it is important to seek medical clearance before beginning an exercise regimen.

Exercise builds muscles

There are a variety of benefits to exercising, including improving your cardiovascular health and strengthening your muscles. Cardiovascular exercise includes brisk walking, biking, and swimming. Strength training includes squats, lunges, and deadlifts. It helps to strengthen bones and joints, while building muscle mass. Additionally, all types of exercise boost your metabolism. Strength-building exercises, such as weightlifting, continue to burn calories even after the workout is over, due to “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption.”

Before you begin an exercise regimen, check with your physician to determine whether you’re physically able to participate in physical activities. Although most people focus on just one type of exercise, doing all four will make you stronger in the others. Also, varying exercises will decrease boredom and prevent injury. The goal should be realistic and achievable, and should be individualized for your physical needs and goals. For example, Henry, 75, wants to lose weight and lower his high blood pressure. He goes to a gym twice a week and stretches his body parts before beginning the workout. He also holds onto a sturdy chair while standing on one leg. His wife time him as he balances on his leg.

Exercise helps prevent osteoporosis

Among other benefits, regular physical activity can prevent osteoporosis. In addition to reducing the risk of falling, regular exercise increases strength and coordination. However, there are some modifications to an exercise program for those with certain health conditions and bone density issues. For instance, someone with osteoporosis should avoid strenuous exercises that require bending the spine. People over 40 should also discuss their exercise plans with their doctors.

Getting adequate calcium intake is the best way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. For adults under 50, you should aim for about 1000mg of calcium per day, while those over fifty should get at least 800IU of vitamin D daily. Find out more about proper vitamin D intake from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Weight-bearing exercise is also a great way to prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise places controlled stress on bones, encouraging their growth. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can cause bone loss.