Why Is Exercise Important?

We all hear from professionals and unprofessionals that you should exercise. It’s good for you! But do you know the science behind exercising and why people say exercise is good for you?

There are many benefits to your physical health and mental health too, no matter your age, size, ethnicity, or shape!

Physical Health

• Maintains a healthy weight.
• Reduces disease risk. Exercising regularly reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. It also reduces your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome (ex: too much fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar). Exercising also can reduce risk of developing cancers (ex: breast, colon, kidney, lung, stomach).
• Strengthen bones and muscles. Your bones, joints, and muscles support your body and help you move, especially as you age. Exercise helps release hormones that promote your muscles’ ability to absorb amino acids, which help muscles grow.
• Improves ability to do everyday activities. Everyday activities are but not limited to climbing stairs, grocery shopping, or playing with your children or grandchildren. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system. You’ll have more energy when tackling everyday activities. Also, exercising improves physical function and decreases risk of falling or injuries from falling. 
• Increases your chance of living longer. Exercising more regularly helps lower the risk of premature death from all causes.

Mental Health

• Improves brain health. Exercise can improve brain function and protect memory and thinking skills. Increasing your heart rate promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain and stimulates the production of hormones that enhance growth in brain cells. Exercise can also improve mental function in older adults because exercise causes the hippocampus (a brain part that is important for memory and learning) to grow. Overall, your thinking, learning, and judgment skills are sharpened. 
• Promotes better sleep. Exercising can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep, and deepen your sleep. 
• Improves mood. Exercising stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. It produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety. Exercise also increases the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain. Your feelings of anxiety and risk of depression are reduced. You may also feel better about yourself and your appearance when you exercise regularly. This can improve your confidence and self-esteem.