Benefits of Physical Activity
1. Reduce the risk of chronic disease:
When you exercise, billions of your cells get broken, and they release enzymes that help replace the damaged ones, thus helping in boosting your immunity system. This helps to reduce problems like asthma, arthritis, diabetes type 2, heart diseases, etc.
2. Increase life expectancy:
Studies have shown that physically fit patients live longer than patients who do not do enough to take part in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.
3. Weight loss:
Exercising burns calories from the liver & muscles by converting those calories into glycogen stored as energy for later use when the body needs it again. In addition, regular exercise makes metabolism stronger, so it continues burning even during sleep time and boosts energy level, which makes working out easier.
4. Increase your energy level:
Regular exercise promotes the production of some brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine that help improve mood and help you sleep well at night by balancing the cortisol hormone level in your body. This results in increased energy levels throughout the day.
5. Prevent memory loss:
Exercise early in life can prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease & dementia. It was found during a study conducted on mice when put into an enriched environment containing toys, ramps, etc. It resulted in the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus area of their brain, which forms memories, thus reducing memory loss.
6. Prevents cancer:
Research has shown that physical activity may reduce colon, breast cancer, endometrial & lung cancers. In addition, one who is physically fit doesn’t suffer from problems like constipation which can lead to other health issues later.
7. Increase life expectancy:
Studies have shown that physically fit patients live longer than patients who do not do enough to take part in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.
8. Improve sleep:
Physical activities such as walking and running boost energy levels and reduce stress & anxiety, thus allowing you to enjoy a sound and deep sleep at night, which is very important for good health.
9. Reduce bloating:
Being sedentary could result in water retention, and your body starts feeling bloated soon. This can be reduced by increasing your physical activities.
10. Reduce joint pain:
Patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee are encouraged to take part in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities, which help reduce joint pain, increase muscle strength & flexibility, and also help maintain or improve overall physical health.
social benefits of physical activity:
1. Physical activity is good for the heart:
cardiovascular health, physical inactivity can lead to a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and peripheral vascular disease.
2. Physical activity also helps to control blood pressure:
lack of physical activity is associated with elevated blood pressure. However, studies show that reducing or eliminating inactive periods can significantly reduce blood pressure levels without losing weight! “Physical activity does not need to be excessive; an increase by just 30 minutes/day brought significant benefits.”
People who already have hypertension may require more than this amount. However, up to 2 hours per day of benefit is seen here too. However, certain factors may affect the impact of physical activity on blood pressure, for example, if you are not used to exercising or have poor fitness levels.
3. Physical activity is good for the heart – continued:
Regular participation in physical activity can help prevent gallstones by aiding in weight loss and reducing insulin resistance. In addition, an increase in physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones in women with a history of this condition.
4. Physical activity helps promote healthy bones:
People who have low bone mineral density are at increased risk of fractures. However, being physically active may decrease this risk! “Studies show that when people do regular weight-bearing exercises such as walking or dancing for 40 minutes per day, they build up their bone mass.”
5. Physical activity is a way to control obesity:
The best treatment for obesity is a “multi-component” approach that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavior therapy. However, it appears that even if you cannot lose weight with increased physical activity alone, the benefits of being physically active outweigh the risk associated with obesity!
6. Physical activity helps your muscles:
Physical inactivity causes muscle mass loss which can lead to frailty. Therefore, participating in regular physical activities such as walking or gardening is essential to maintain good health and independence as we age!
7. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise helps lower stress levels:
Exercise stimulates brain chemicals called endorphins that make us happier and more relaxed. This has been proven by studies where the levels of endorphins were measured in people’s blood after doing exercise.
8. Physical activity is good for mental health:
Studies have shown that regular physical activity may be just as effective as medication in treating depression and anxiety!
9. Physical activity has been associated with improved mental well-being:
Although many studies show the positive effects of exercise on brain function, moods, and behavior, some studies suggest that it might depend on factors such as gender or age.
10. There are social benefits to physical activity too:
Many activities you choose to do with other people can help form friendships and encourage you to interact more in your community, making it a great way to increase happiness in your life!
11. Finally, there are lots of health benefits:
Physical activity is good for the bones, muscles, body weight, heart, and mind.
Mental benefits of physical activity:
To maintain a healthy brain, it is essential to do aerobic exercises regularly because the hippocampus consumes a lot of energy. It has been found that people with Alzheimer’s have a smaller hippocampus and that this is related to an increased risk of the disease. In addition, exercise helps improve blood circulation, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients and takes away waste products from the parts of your body.
Aerobic exercise also improves cognitive performance by enhancing communication between neurons in areas involved in movement coordination and thinking skills such as memory, attention span, reasoning ability, problem-solving, etc., which is very helpful for those with mental health problems.
Physical activity has many benefits for children: they are less likely to develop diabetes or heart disease if their physical fitness levels are good. Also, teaching children to be physically active can help them develop skills that will last a lifetime, such as teamwork and decision-making.
Scientific Benefits of exercise:
It has been found that aerobic exercise lowers postprandial glucose levels. Postprandial glucose is the amount of glucose in your blood after having a meal.
There are also numerous benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy, including reduced risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
Scientists have also proven that regular physical activity can improve fertility in both men and women by increasing sex hormone production!