EXERCISE
Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. So if we want to be healthy for life it is VITAL that everyone finds a physical activity that they enjoy doing, such as walking around the shops, playing on the Wii Fit with the kids, paintballing, gardening or going to V-Healthy exercise classes.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START!
Most people don’t realise that as little as half an hour of moderate activity (e.g. walking) every day can be enough to improve health and fitness. Regular exercise helps to maintain overall fitness, manage weight loss, and most importantly it can lower the risk of many life-threatening conditions.
Weight Management
Regular exercise as well as eating a healthy balanced diet plays a vital role in helping people lose weight and maintain their weight loss. If you do not exercise regularly and eat healthily you could join half of the adults in the UK that are heavier than recommended and could become another statistic of obesity. Obesity affects health in a number of ways. For example women who are obese are more likely to have complications both during and after pregnancy. In the UK, obesity is responsible for over 9,000 premature deaths a year. A recent study found that people who die due to being obese lose on average 9 years of their life.
Lowered risk of heart disease & other major health conditions
Being physically active could significantly lower your risk of developing serious health-related problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis (thinning bones), many types of cancer, stroke, type-2 diabetes and heart disease. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the UK, killing 1 in 5 people. Exercising can also improve your digestion, posture and help with insomnia (trouble sleeping).
Exercise helps you live longer
If you exercise regularly you are likely to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life as it helps you stay active and social.
Exercise improves your mood
Serotonin, or ‘happy chemicals’ as we know them, are released in the brain during exercise which help combat stress and promote happiness. Regular exercise can even help with the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Exercise provides natural pain relief
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are anti-stress hormones that block pain signals in your brain. As a result, exercise can help to alleviate pains e.g. back pain and menstrual cramps.
Exercise can improve your confidence
Regular exercise will help to define your muscles and reduce body fat. It will also improve your skin as more oxygen is delivered to your body tissue. All of this can help to make you feel better about your appearance and improve your self confidence.
Exercise can improve your sex life
Exercise gives you energy and makes you look and feel better, all of which can give you a better sex life. Exercise also improves circulation which can make sex more satisfying. Research shows that men who exercise regularly are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those who do not.
STAY SAFE
Always ensure that you exercise safely:- Exercise with caution.
- Listen to your body.
- Make sure you wear appropriate clothing.
- Always consult your GP before starting an exercise programme especially if you have any medical conditions or are on any medication.
- Keep hydrated.