Exercising For Good Health: The Real Reasons To Get Moving In 2017
Exercising is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. However, in many cases, this takes top spot because people want to lose weight after the indulgence of the festive period. Exercise is an important contributor to weight loss, but this is not its only benefit. You don’t have to be overweight to want to get in shape. Being active has incredible health benefits for everyone. If you’ve set yourself the goal of getting fit in 2017, here are some of the most important reasons to try and reach your target.
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Mental health
Most people automatically think of the physical benefits of exercise when they take up a new training regime. However, the efficacy of exercise in treating mental health issues should not be overlooked. If you work out on a regular basis, you’ll soon notice that it alters your mind, as well as your body. One of the main reasons people take to exercise is the feeling it gives them during and after a session. You may feel like you’re running out of steam and you can’t physically give any more. But afterwards, you’re rewarded with a natural euphoric high. This is caused by a series of reactions, which take place in your brain when your body is moving. Serotonin, a chemical, which is responsible for regulating your mood, is released, and this makes you feel more content. Levels of endorphins, known as happy hormones, also rise when you’re working out.
Studies have shown that in cases of mild and moderate depression, exercise can be as effective as taking antidepressant medication. It can also lower the risk of developing depression by up to 30 percent. Physical activity is also a proven stress-buster, which has several important benefits. Stress is one of the most common causes of insomnia. People who exercise regularly are much more likely to enjoy stable sleep patterns than those who live a sedentary lifestyle.
If you’re feeling stressed, it’s worth seeing if exercise works for you. There’s an assumption that you have to complete intensive workouts when you hear the word exercise. But anything that gets your heart going is beneficial. Go for a walk after work or do a yoga class. Take your bike out instead of the car or take up martial arts. There’s something for everyone, and you should soon find something you enjoy.
There’s also evidence to suggest that exercising frequently can lower the risk of dementia. According to a review of eleven separate studies cited by the Alzheimer’s Society, dementia risk can be reduced by up to 30 percent. If you don’t enjoy playing sport, hobbies like gardening, walking and even doing household chores, can be beneficial.
Heart health
Your heart is your most precious organ. Every day, it beats continually without you even giving it a second thought. There are lots of things you can do to boost heart health, and one of the most effective is to stick to a regular exercise program. You don’t have to go to the gym all the time if you don’t enjoy it. Even making simple changes in your everyday life will make a difference. Get up and stretch your legs every hour in the office. Walk or cycle to work and always take the stairs. Wear a pedometer to keep track of the number of steps you take. If your numbers are low, try and move more. Make time for a walk, a jog or an exercise class.
Your heart is a muscle, and just like your other muscles, it needs conditioning. Experts from the American Heart Association advise adults to complete 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. By doing this, you will reduce your risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. All of these are risk factors for heart disease. If you have existing heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation or family history of heart disease, maintaining an active lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of complications. For more information, you’ll find sites like www.abbottep.com useful.
When you work out regularly, or you’re active each and every day, your heart becomes stronger and more efficient. Cardiovascular exercise causes your resting heart rate to drop, and your circulation to improve. Weight and resistance training strengthen the muscle tissue, resulting in more powerful contraction.
Research shows that 80 percent of Americans aren’t doing enough exercise. If you’re keen to do more, these tips will help https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/GettingActive/Get-Moving-Easy-Tips-to-Get-Active_UCM_307978_Article.jsp#.WFO0BvmLTIU.
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Tackling the C word
Cancer is a word we all dread hearing. Every year, cancer kills around 7.6 million people in the US alone. Globally, this is one of the biggest killers out there. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations, which cause cells to replicate abnormally. This results in the development of lumps known as tumors. In many cases, it’s not possible to prevent cancer. However, some forms of cancer are closely linked to lifestyle factors. Research shows that regular exercise can act as a protective factor for some types of cancer, including colon and breast cancer. Studies show that exercising around 5 times per week can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 15-20 percent and colon cancer by up to 50 percent.
In the case of breast cancer, experts believe that cancer risk is affected by hormone levels. When you work out, your levels of both estrogen and testosterone fall. More than 50 studies have been carried out on the link between physical activity and colon cancer. Scientists believe that there are multiple benefits of exercise, including insulin regulation and reduced exposure to potential carcinogens. Carcinogens are chemicals or substances, which are known to increase cancer risk.
Preventing type 2 diabetes
There are two different forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is much more common than type 1, which is usually present at birth or diagnosed in childhood. Diabetes occurs the body is unable to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels due to abnormal insulin or low insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone, which is secreted by the pancreas. It helps to control the levels of sugar in your blood. Statistics from the CD show that almost 10 percent of the US population has type 2 diabetes.
In many cases, type 2 diabetes is linked to lifestyle factors. It is often associated with obesity, inactivity, and a poor diet. When you have low levels of insulin, or you produce insulin that doesn’t function properly, this can result in dehydration and weakness. In the long-term, diabetes can also cause severe damage to the nerves and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. This occurs when the fatty deposits collect in the artery walls, restricting blood flow to and from the heart. This is one of the most dangerous risk factors for heart attacks and stroke.
Exercise can help people with diabetes in many ways. It is often a powerful weight loss tool, which can help you reach a healthy, stable weight. You’re much less likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI). Working out and moving more can also improve the function of your insulin, which means that you can control your blood glucose levels more effectively.
If you’re obese, it’s not always easy to get into an exercise regime. If you have a lot of weight to lose, it’s wise to work with your doctor and a personal trainer, so that you can ensure that you’re doing activities that are suitable. You may start with light cardio exercises, and as you get fitter, you can expand the range of sports or exercises you do. Swimming is often a good place to start, as it gives you a full-body workout without applying serious pressure on your joints. Taking walks and trying activities like golf can also help you to build up your endurance and strength gradually.
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Stepping up your exercise regime won’t have a positive impact on diabetes if there are issues with the diet. When you have diabetes, you have to be very careful about what you eat and regulate your intake of sugar. To get the best results, ask your doctor or a nutritionist for a healthy eating plan, which is tailored to your condition.
After Christmas, many of us turn our attention to shedding those extra pounds and set ourselves the goal of getting in shape. If you are overweight, it’s always beneficial to take steps to reach a healthy weight. However, it’s essential to understand that exercising is not solely a means of trimming down your waist or toning up love handles. Exercise is incredibly important for your health. Numerous studies show that regular activity reduces your risk of a host of life-threatening illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. It can also have amazing benefits for your mind. If you are determined to get in shape, there’s no better motivation than knowing that you’re giving yourself every chance of living a long, healthy and happy life.
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