8 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is one of the healthiest prescriptions to improve your health. Some of the benefits you can reap from getting physical are: Controlling/losing weight Improving your cardiovascular system Decrease the risk for Type 2 diabetes Reduce the risk for some cancers Strengthen muscles and bones Improve mental health and mood Making daily chores easier to do Increase your chance of living longer

Tip! Make sure your workouts include a variety of different exercises. This can help you avoid routines and help you retain motivation for the next workout.

However, before starting any exercise program, be sure to consult with your doctor first. If you are healthy enough to engage in regular physical exercise before starting any program, you have to know.

Controlling/losing weight

Tip! Proper form while walking is very important when exercising so as to reduce injury. Proper form dictates that you walk with your back straight and your shoulders back.

You gain weight when you eat more calories than you burn. So it stands to reason that if you want to lose weight, one of two things (or both) has to happen. One, you have to eat fewer calories, or two you have to exercise more.

We know that you have to burn 3,500 more calories per week than you eat to lose a pound. While 3,500 is a daunting number in itself, it becomes more manageable when you break it down into 500 calories per day. Eat 250 calories less and burn 250 calories more each day and you'll be at your one pound loss for the week. Improving your cardiovascular system

Tip! A strong core is vital for well-rounded fitness. If you have a strong center, you will have an easier time with all of the other exercises that you do.

Heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death in the United States. The Center for Disease Control recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderately-- intensive exercise per week to significantly lower your risk for both diseases. More exercise yet further reduces your risk even more. Decrease the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Tip! A fast and effective way to increase strength in your legs is doing wall sits. Make sure you find a big enough wall space for you to do wall sits on.

The same 150 minutes of exercise per week will also lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes. If you are carrying too much weight, have low HDL cholesterol or high blood pressure, triglycerides or blood sugar, you are at a greater risk. Regular exercise will help bring these stats back where they belong. Reduce the risk for some cancers

Tip! Pay your trainer ahead of time. This makes it more likely that you will actually go to your sessions compared to paying your trainer by the session.

Research has shown that being physically active reduces the risk of colon cancer in both male and females and the risk of breast cancer in women. Some findings are now suggesting that regular exercise may also reduce your risk of endometrial and lung cancer. And if you are a cancer survivor, exercising can help improve your quality of life.
Strengthen bones and muscles As we age, we begin to lose bone density, which can cause osteoporosis and falls ending up with broken bones. Aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises helps keeps your muscles and bones strong and slows the loss of bone density.

Improve mental health and mood Not only does exercising keep you mentally sharp, but it can also help prevent depression. Endorphins are released in the brain making us feel good when we exercise. Research has shown that 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training per day 3 to 5 times per week are optimal for maximum mental acuity benefits, however even a little exercise provides some benefits. Making daily chores easier to do If you are not in shape, doing daily chores can get to be ... well a chore!

Make the things you do every day, like climbing stairs, carrying a filled laundry basket and carrying groceries easier by getting in shape. Increase your chance of living longer Research has shown that people who are physically active 7 hours per week reduce their risk of dying early from heart disease or cancer by 40 percent. Remember that 150 minutes of exercising per week? That counts toward your 7 hours per week of physical activity.

Tip! Whenever you have the chance, go outside to exercise. Don't forget to incorporate fresh air and natural environments such as walking paths, beaches and racquet sports into your regime.

And these 8 benefits of regular physical activity are only the beginning. Realize that exercising is only half the equation. If you want to get the most from your regular physical activity, you have to eat healthy too. The Center for Disease Control recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderately-- intensive exercise per week to significantly lower your risk for both diseases.

More exercise yet further reduces your risk even more. The same 150 minutes of exercise per week will also lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Some findings are now suggesting that regular exercise may also reduce your risk of endometrial and lung cancer. Research has shown that 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise and strength training per day 3 to 5 times per week are optimal for maximum mental acuity benefits, however even a little exercise provides some benefits.