Why is it Important to Exercise Regularly?

 

 

 We all know that we should work out 3-4 times a week to maintain our health, but what exactly does that mean and how will it benefit you? Most people want to exercise solely for the results that they can SEE, but the unseen benefits are what should provoke you to get MOVING.

The most obvious outward perk of exercise that is that it controls weight and can sculpt and tone your body. With physical activity, you burn calories aiding in weight loss and with regular exercise and especially by adding any weight bearing activity, you will also gain muscle. Once you gain muscle, you will burn calories just by getting out of your chair or walking to the fridge AND once your body gets in a routine of a regular and varied intense workout, your body can actually be shedding hundreds of calories up to 14 hours after your workout.

What is not naked to the eye is that regular exercise is actually fighting away infections, health conditions, diseases, heart attacks and is keeping us young. Studies show that even moderate workouts help boost the immune system, lower blood pressure , raise "good" HDL cholesterol, regulate hormone levels and help speed waste through our gut, which can also be helpful in preventing cancer. Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, cycling or anything that gets you a little out of breath for a length of time improves your aerobic capacity and by doing so, you can literally add years to your life. Studies also show that aerobic exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells in older adults, keeping them "sharp" in their later years.

Perhaps most enticing to promote regular exercise is that it significantly combats stress, can improve your mood and can also prevent depression. Working out helps clear your mind and actually stimulates brain chemicals that leave you happier and calmer. With a regular routine, this brain reaction will help combat depression. As we know, stress can lead to sickness and infection over time demonstrating once again that with exercise you can help prevent health conditions and infection.

Physical activity will also actually boost your energy. Even a small amount of fitness can you get you energized and prevent tiredness. In fact, an early morning, pre-work,workout will give you more energy and help you stay focused throughout the day, plus, physical activity will lead to better sleep. Our bodies are meant to be active all day long and many sleep problems are due to a lack of regular movement. With regular fitness, your body will easily drift off to sleep and be more likely to stay asleep through the night.

Lastly, Fitness is fun, challenging and can lead to great friendships. Whether you set a goal with a group of friends, start and new group fitness class or join a running club, you are challenging yourself, creating new experiences and sharing bonding memories.

So, even on days when you are not up for a workout, remember that working out will make you energized, happier, healthier, help you sleep better and keep your body looking good.

 

Seana Hart, co-founder of Hart Dance and Fitness in New Fairfield, Ct is a contributing expert writer for Hamlethub and will be sharing he expertise on fitness, Zumba and how to stay healthy and happy with us and our readers. Keep posted for more articles from Seana, a truly positive force  for the Town of New Fairfield. 

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Submitted by New Fairfield, CT

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