Not Just Weight Loss, Exercising Regularly Brings Myriad Health Benefits

If you aren’t living under a rock, chances are you might have been told, multiple times, to exercise regularly. From your school PE teacher to your parents and relatives, each one of them probably had some things to add to the exercise daily continuum. With the rising rate of obesity across the world and the myriad health issues it brings along with it, workout has generally been associated with weight loss. However, that’s not its only health benefit. If you exercise regularly (150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout per week is generally recommended), there are several benefits you can reap.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Exercising?

Sometimes, instead of exercising itself, getting started can be an uphill task. If you are a newbie, a suggestion is to start small and build on it. Once you get the momentum, exercising will be a part of your daily routine just as eating, sleeping, and social media are. Weight loss or not, whatever be your goal, here are the health benefits you get once you start exercising regularly:

Your Cardiovascular Health Improves

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Cardiovascular health refers to heart health.

• Physical activity strengthens your heart. 
• It also improves circulation, which in turn increases oxygen supply throughout your body, says the USA’s National Library of Medicine.
• This reduces your risk for myriad heart health issues such as heart attack, high cholesterol, etc.
• Not only that, but it also helps manage blood pressure.

Your Blood Sugar Level Improves

Globally, India stands second in the list of the highest number of diabetes cases, with 77 million Indians suffering from this serious health issue. A poor lifestyle that includes a lack of physical activity is one of the contributing factors.

• But once you start exercising, your blood glucose level lowers and insulin, a hormone that makes glucose enter your cells, starts working better.
• This cuts your risk for type-2 diabetes.
• And, in case you already suffer from this disease, exercising regularly can play a role in better diabetes management.

Your Bones And Muscles Get Stronger

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Now you don’t need a doctor to tell you why it is important to have strong bones and muscles. Right after a child is born till he/she gets a few years old, steps are undertaken to ensure that the baby has strong bones and muscles. Emphasis should also be on physical activity that helps achieve the same.

• For kids and teens, physical activity is an amazing way to build strong bones and muscles.
• It also slows down the loss of bone density as you age.
• Doing specific exercises such as muscle training can help you build strong muscles.

Reduces Your Risk Of Certain Cancers

The human body is made up of infinite cells, which die and are replaced by newer ones. However, in certain cases, rather than dying, these cells grow uncontrollably and might even infect the surrounding tissues. This is the case with cancer, which as you might already know, is a life-threatening disease. Although many factors can increase your risk, such as age, diet, obesity, etc, you can reduce your risk by doing a simple activity, which is physical activity. As per the US National Library of Medicine, by exercising regularly, you can slash your risk of certain cancers such as that of lung, colon, uterine, breast, etc. 

Improves Mental Health

Have you ever experienced how your mood automatically improves right after you exercise?

• This is because when you work out, your body releases chemicals, called endorphins, which are known for relieving stress and pain.
• Hence, when stressed out, you can indulge in a routine of physical activity. It also reduces your risk of depression. 

Improves Cognition

You already know that exercise improves not just your physical, but your mental health too. Apart from overall mental health, exercise specifically improves brain functions. This improves your cognitive performance, as well keeps your ability to think, learn and make judgments sharp as you age. 

Improves Sexual Health

Not just the overall physical and mental health, regular exercise improves sexual health too.

• In men, it lowers the risk of erectile dysfunction. For those who already suffer from it, working out regularly can improve their overall sexual health.
• And in the case of women, it can increase sexual arousal, as per the US National Library of Medicine.

Improves Sleep

Now, who hasn’t experienced being able to sleep better at night when they get a lot of physical activity during the day? This is because exercising has a direct effect on your zzz. Not only are you able to fall asleep quicker, but the quality of your sleep is also better. Want proof? Try it out yourself.

Also read: Exercise During Pregnancy: 5 Lower Body Workouts For Pregnant Women

You Live Longer

We have already talked about how exercising regularly lowers your risk of serious health issues, such as heart diseases and cancer. These are among the biggest killers worldwide. Hence, by working out, you lower your risk of getting these, thus prolonging your lifespan.

Last but not the least, exercise makes you lose weight, as well as helps you manage it. Workout and diet are seen as the two pillars of weight loss and management. Although you can achieve those with the latter itself, it will not be that effective as you’ll miss out on the various health benefits that exercising brings along with it. Hence, get up and get moving and try to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise in a week.

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