The benefits of exercise

Experts in health encourage us to include exercise as part of our daily routine to stay healthy. Just like a healthy diet and balanced exercise is recommended for optimum health.

People who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active on a regular basis.

Physical activity does not need to be intense to be beneficial to health.

Discover the many benefits for your health by increasing the amount (duration, frequency or intensity) of physical activity. There are many benefits to exercise, not only for losing weight, but also to reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses.

Here is a general overview of what exercise can do for us:

1. Exercise reduces the risk of dying prematurely.

2. Exercise reduces the risk of dying of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

3. Exercise helps to lose weight by reducing our body mass index (BMI), reducing our cholesterol and triglyceride levels that circulate in our blood.

4. Exercise improves the functioning of our immune system and the circulation of blood and oxygen to different organs of our body.

5. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity in preventing type 2 diabetes.

6. Exercise increases our energy level and stamina.

7. Exercise slows aging by improving our physical wellbeing, mental, emotional and psychological.

8. Exercise reduces our risk of developing diseases of bones and joints.

9. Exercise even helps develop creativity and imagination. It also promotes improved mental vigor, including reaction time and acuity.

10. Exercise increases self-esteem and confidence.

11. Sport is an antidepressant. The sport improves mood and stimulates production of endorphins in the brain, giving you a feeling of well-being.

12. Exercise helps you sleep better. By cons, make sure you do not exercise before going to bed. Experts say that we should avoid exercise for at least three hours before bedtime.