The importance of exercise in relation to our health and wellness cannot be over emphasized as it is indispensible for a healthy living. No doubt we have all heard from experts countless times “regular exercise is good for you…” Some of us think it is overrated, others just don’t have enough time to fix exercise in, and it can be because of a busy lifestyle or a job that involves very little physical activity.
Well, you can start slowly from somewhere and slowly work your way up until you are doing the recommended amount of exercise for your age to ensure optimal result. It is important, create time for it!
Regular exercise and physical activity can significantly impact our health positively in several ways which include;
- Weight Control: Proper diet alongside exercising plays a vital role in controlling your weight. To maintain your weight your energy intake must equal energy expended while to lose weight energy expended must exceed energy intake. Being overweight is associated with a higher risk of so many medical illnesses, from cardiovascular to endocrine to musculoskeletal disorders and even cancer. The implications are mindblowing.
- Help with addiction: Studies have shown that exercising can make it easier to quit smoking or other illicit drugs by reducing your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Improvement of your mental health and mood: During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed which can help deal with stress and reduce your risk of depression.
- Reduces the risk of heart diseases: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world today. However, exercising strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation. The improved blood flow helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
- Also, regular exercise can also lower your blood pressure and triglyceride (blood fat) level.
- Helps your body manage blood sugar: Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar level as well as help your insulin work better as a result lessens the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
- Helps to maintain your thinking, learning, and judgment skills as you age: Exercise stimulates your body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain.
- Helps strengthen your bones and muscles: Regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones. Subsequently in life, it can also slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. Also, muscle-strengthening activities can help you increase or maintain your muscle mass and strength.
- Helps reduce the risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine, and lung cancer.
- Improve your sexual health. Exercising regularly may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. However, for those with ED, exercise may help improve their sexual function. In women, exercise may increase sexual arousal.
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE EXERCISING PART OF YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE
Make everyday activities more active, even small changes can help. It is recommended to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Occasionally walk down the hall to a coworker’s office instead of sending an email. Wash your car yourself. Park your car maybe a few hundred meters from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
Finding a workout partner can make you more likely to enjoy exercise. You can also organize social activities that involve exercise. You might also consider joining an exercise group or class, such as a dance class amongst others.
Keep track of your progress: Documenting your activity or using a fitness tracker may help you set goals and stay motivated.
Make exercise more fun: Listening to music or watching TV while you exercise can help. Also, participating in a variety of activities is recommended as sticking with just one type of exercise might get boring, combining activities has proven beneficial.
Image Credit: Self Magazine
Lookout for activities that you can leverage on even when the weather is bad like walking in a mall, going upstairs, or work out in a gym even if the weather stops you from exercising outside.
Ikpontu Emmanuela Ifunnaya is a animal scientist who completed her degree from University of Benin. She is a writer, designer and a software developer.
She is a versatile writer and she has written article on several subjects such as health, personal finances, personal development etc
She enjoys reading, singing and making friends and she is passionate about helping young girls grow.
