The results are out, and studies have revealed that physical exercise can lower the risk of early death by as much as 30%, as well as reducing the risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease by up to 50%.
The average government recommendation is to incorporate just 2.5 hours per week of moderate physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming or golfing, or to do 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity, such as running, high intensity interval training or power lifting. This equates to walking for 30-45 minutes just 3-6 times per week, or 25 minutes of vigorous exercise just 3 times per week.
Whether you skip, jump, walk, run, swim or put on the next best exercise DVD, here are 10 exciting health benefits that you will get from being more active:
- It Lowers the Risk Of Heart Disease
About 610 000 Americans die from heart disease per year, which the Center for Disease Control and Prevention equates to 1 in every 4 deaths. By meeting the minimum exercise guideline you reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 35%.
- It Reduces the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
Up to 250 000 American death certificates per year reveal that diabetes was the cause, which makes it the 7th most deadly disease, according to CDC. Exercise helps to lower the risk of developing diabetes by up to 50%, which is a remarkable reason to get your daily sweat in.
- It Helps to Control Your Weight
Physical activity not only burns calories, which promotes a lean and healthy body, but it also powers up your metabolism, eliminates toxins and keeps you regular, which keeps your weight in a healthy range. Just doing moderate activity a few times a week is enough to keep you health, giving no option for excuses.
- It Makes You Happy
Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that literally leave you feeling happier during after each workout. It also helps to stimulate a better self image through improved posture and firing up of your muscles, giving you a healthy, happy glow.
- It Reduces Stress
Breaking a sweat has been proven to increase the concentration of morepinephrine, which is a chemical that has been found to reduce the level of stress in the brain. By working out you also increase your heart rate and circulation, which relieves tension and stiff muscles, as well as giving you an incredible release of happy signals.
- It Supports Addiction Recovery
Substance abuse has proven to increase the level of dopamine in the brain, which causes a chemical link to strengthen the need for the substance. However, exercise has also been proven to stimulate the same chemical, which helps to replace poor health choices with a brilliant, empowering one.
- It Reduces the Risk of Developing Arthritis
Because exercise has been proven to strengthen muscles and bones, studies have linked sufficient exercise to an 83% decrease in risk of developing osteoarthritis. Moderate physical activity helps to eliminate acid in the body, which further assists the skeletal system to stay healthy by creating an alkaline environment to grow and repair.
- It Gives You Energy
The number one reason that 50% of Americans do not meet the minimum standard of weekly physical activity is the excuse of having no energy. Exercise has been proven to boost energy because it floods your body with oxygen while eliminating acid, toxins and stress.
- It Reduces Blood Pressure
Frequent exercise has proven to improve cardiovascular health by increasing circulation, reducing cholesterol, relaxing arteries and eliminating toxic waste from your system. The after effect is a greatly reduced blood pressure, which is excellent news for anyone suffering from hypertension. Keep it light to moderate to stay within a safe heart rate zone.
- It Prevents Disease
Numerous studies have shown that frequent exercise helps to prevent disease, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. It helps your body to remove toxins, keeps your system alkaline, boosts your mood, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and gives you better sleep: what’s not to love?
Disclaimer: If you have any medical conditions, consult with a medical professional before deciding on an appropriate exercise program.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm
https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/
