Exercise is a key component of health. In order to be healthy, we have to exercise regularly. Sure, it can be difficult to take the time out of your busy schedule to engage in physical activity but exercise helps your mind, emotions and your body in so many ways. Yes, exercise can help you to lose weight and tone muscle. It will make you look better, but it also releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that stabilize and even improve mood.
Exercise isn’t just a prescription for weight loss. It’s a prescription for longevity. Strength and weight-bearing exercises such as jumping, running or walking can help stave off osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) for both men and women. A person might be able to avoid deadly diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure if he/she engages in regular physical activity. Of course, for those who have these diseases, it’s easier to manage or control them going forward if exercise is a regular part of your life.
It’s also important to note that exercise, when done routinely, can boost HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the good cholesterol – while decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – bad cholesterol. As a result, the blood flows more smoothly through the body, reducing the buildup of plaque in the arteries. (Arterial plaque leads to a host of heart problems including arteriosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction, aka heart attack.)
Studies show that most people know that they should exercise, but still maintain that they can’t make the time for it. It’s true that life is hectic with work, child care/family responsibilities and a bunch of other demands on our time. The trick is to make exercise a priority. You just have to commit to doing it. Although experts suggest we exercise 5-7 times a week for at least one hour, long-term benefits can be seen with regular activity of 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week.
If you’re new to exercising, the best thing to do is to start slow and build up at a reasonable rate. Overdoing it can lead to injuries and stress. Find activities you enjoy such as golfing, swimming or walking and start with those. Many people think exercised is boring, but it doesn’t have to be. Mix up your activities and again, do the things you enjoy.
Others need outside support to make exercise work. So, if you need to engage a buddy, your significant other or even a fitness trainer, then go ahead and do it. Some people report success with marking time out in their calendars for exercise each and every week. They make an appointment with themselves and find that they’re much happier – and healthier – for it.
Of course, you don’t have to do the whole hour of activity at the same time. Exercise has a cumulative effect. You can get the same benefits from working out in three, 20-minute intervals a day or building up your hour in five-minute chunks.
Another benefit of exercise is that it will boost your confidence – and potentially – your sex life. Regular exercise, as we mentioned earlier, makes you look better. It also makes you feel better…and it gives you more energy. Men who exercise regularly report fewer problems with erectile dysfunction as they age. Most individuals claim improved sleep function. They have less trouble falling and staying asleep.
With so many benefits to regular exercising, the question should be – how can you not find the time for it?
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