We’ve all seen commercials encouraging us to get moving, promoting being active, joining a gym, or working out to videos. Usually, the promotions are geared to those who want to lose weight. This has led to many people to thinking of exercise only as a way to lose weight.
There are dozens of benefits to being physically active that have nothing to do with losing weight.
Cardiovascular training will strengthen your heart and lungs as well as burn fat and calories, providing you with more energy and feeling youthful.
Resistance training will strengthen your muscles, increase bone density, improve your posture and increase your metabolism.
Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers.
And, exercising regularly does more than just make your body fit – there are mental and emotional benefits as well – increasing self-confidence, reducing stress and even alleviating depression.
Also, if you find a fitness activity that you really enjoy – whether it be weight lifting, running, hiking, belly dancing, trampolining, or roller-blading, you have so much fun that you don’t even notice that you’re exercising!
Here are a few other benefits to being physically active:
Immunity – Your body’s immune system is more powerful than any medication you can take. Keeping your body healthy and balanced is a great way to keep your immune system at its best.
Osteoporosis – Weight bearing exercise, such as walking and resistance training is an effective way to protect against the loss of bone density.
Injury Prevention – When muscles are deconditioned, tight, or out of balance with opposing muscle groups, the risk of injury is greatly increased. A weak back is more likely to become injured, even during simple tasks like carrying groceries.
Regular activity can also Increase energy, improve sleep, elevate mood, increase self esteem and can be a great stress relief.