Health And Wellbeing For The Over 50s

6 Reasons to Exercise Regularly

reasons to exercise

You’ll often hear about the importance of exercise, but getting plenty of physical activity is something many struggle to make a habit of. If you’re yet to make exercise a solid part of your routine, the following reasons to do so might give you the encouragement you need.

6 Great Reasons to Exercise Regularly

1) It Improves Your Health

The main reason you should be exercising regularly is that it’s an important part of maintaining good health. It significantly reduces your risk of a number of major illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Research suggests that overall, regular exercise lowers your risk of an early death by up to 30%.

2) It Improves Your Mental Health

Exercise is great for the brain as well as the body. Physical activity causes the body to release feel-good chemicals called endorphins, improving your mood and over time giving you a long-term emotional lift. That’s why exercise is great for relieving stress and significantly reduces your risk of depression. You’ll find that staying active generally makes you feel happier and more relaxed.

If you would like to find out more, listen to Dr Chris talking about exercise on the video below.

3) It Controls Your Weight

Exercise burns calories, helping you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight. Keeping in control of your weight is important, as it benefits your health and also gives you more confidence and self-esteem.

4) It Boosts Your Energy

If you find that you’re easily tired out or often feel lethargic, lack of physical activity may be playing a large role. Staying active helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently, while improving your muscle strength and endurance. You’ll find that when exercise is a part of your routine, you have much more energy to get through the day, and your tasks and chores will feel less like hard work.

5) It Helps You Sleep Better

Regular exercise makes it easier for you to fall asleep at night and encourages a good night’s rest, helping you get into a healthy sleeping pattern and helping to counteract sleep deprivation. However, it’s important not to exercise at the wrong time. Exercising close to bedtime only makes you feel too energised to fall asleep so actually keeps you awake. Experts recommend avoiding exercise for the three hours prior to your bedtime.

6) It Can be Fun!

Many people enjoy exercise and you could be one of them. You just have to find the right activity for you. Exercise doesn’t just mean hitting the gym – there are many fun ways to get some physical activity. You can play sports with friends, join a dance class, go swimming, cycle along a scenic route or go hiking – to name just a few of your options. Even gardening and walking your dog involve some beneficial physical activity.

When trying to get into the habit of exercising regularly, try not to think of it as a chore. Think of it as a good way to feel happier, healthier and have fun.

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