The
single most significant factor in improving one's health is exercise.
Research strongly indicates that exercise alone can improve your health,
decrease the risk of serious illness, and reverse some of the
degenerative effects of aging. Here's what exercise does for you:
- Strengthens your heart.
The heart is a muscle, and it benefits from regular cardiovascular
exercise, which means aerobics that will boost your heart rate. A
stronger heart can avert arteriosclerosis and reduce high cholesterol
and high blood pressure.
- Increases lung capacity.
Exercise allows your lungs to increase their capacity to hold more
oxygen. Exercise also lets your body use the oxygen it gets more
efficiently, which increases your metabolism.
- Increases bone density.
A woman who performs weight-bearing exercises regularly can increase
her bone density and prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Studies show
that even elderly women can benefit from weight-bearing exercise, such
as lifting free weights or using the weight machines at the fitness
center.
- Improves insulin utilization. Regular
exercise lets your body reduce high levels of insulin, which reduces
insulin resistance. High levels can lead to storing more fat, to
metabolic syndrome, and ultimately, to Type 2 diabetes.
- Helps prevent cancer. Yes, you can reduce your risk of cancer by engaging in regular exercise.
- Reduces the effects of aging. Exercise improves muscle tone and counteracts the decrease in metabolic rate that comes with age.
- Lessens depression and anxiety.
The release of endorphins that occurs after about 20 minutes of
cardiovascular or aerobic exercise can lift one's mood for hours,
perhaps even days. The endorphins soothe anxiety and reduce depression.
- Increases mental acuity. Studies indicate that people who exercise regularly have better mental alertness and prowess than those who don't.
- Helps balance hormones. Hormones
are responsible for energy, sex drive, moods, digestion, and many other
bodily functions. Having balanced hormones can reduce the effects of
aging and boost your energy.
The health benefits of regular exercise will let you enjoy living at
your ideal size. We especially like that endorphin-stimulating exercise can reduce depression and lessen anxiety.
Thinspiration
Instead
of eating to tackle stress, work up a sweat. The endorphins released
from 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can help you say good-bye forever
to stress eating.
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