Exercise is not just good for our bodies – it is good for our brains too! Keeping active into old age helps to keep us physically fit, reduces the risk of falls and can improve mood, helping to ward off depression.
Exercise Can Help with Weight Management
If you have gained excess pounds, beginning a simple exercise program alongside a healthy eating plan will help you to lose weight and, more importantly, to maintain that weight loss. Exercise boosts the metabolism and exercising regularly raises the body’s base metabolic rate – meaning that your body will be burning more calories even when at rest – so it is a win-win situation!
Exercise Can Help With Existing Health Conditions
- It will help to boost the levels of ‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol in the body and lower levels of ‘bad’ triglycerides.
- It can also help to lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke.
- It can help to reduce the risk of falls, especially in older people by improving strength and balance.
Exercise Can Improve your Mood and Reduce Stress
Physical activity is a great antidote to stress. It stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain that are responsible for improving your mood and making you more relaxed. Indirectly, exercise can also make you feel better about how you look by helping you to shed excess pounds and achieve a more toned body. All this is a great boost to your self-confidence!
Too Tired To Exercise?
You might be surprised to learn that making the effort to take some exercise even when you don’t feel like it because you are too tired after a long day or a busy week at work, can actually give you a boost in your energy levels. Regular physical exercise improves the function of your heart and lungs, helping your cardiovascular system get oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs in your body – including your brain!
Sometimes being overworked and under stress, means getting to sleep or staying asleep through the night can be a problem. Taking some exercise will help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply, so that you wake up refreshed and ready for a new day!
Don’t Like Exercise?
Many of us were put-off physical exercise during our school days by having to participate in a sport or activity we did not enjoy. However, there are some fun ways to get in shape whatever your age or level of physical ability.
