Technology has benefited us in numerous ways. It has made our lives easier and has reduced the need for physical labor. However, this modern lifestyle has also made us physically inactive. For instance, we drive to work or take public transport and use machines to do most of our domestic work. In addition, most of our jobs require us to sit at a desk for a long duration.
Consequently, we move less and burn less fat. Research has linked sedentary behavior, such as lying down or sitting, with bad health. Inactivity can lead to heart disease, obesity, and many other illnesses. Not only this, but lack of activity can also result in poor mental health. But all of this can be avoided by incorporating physical activities or regular exercise a part of your routine.
Is Exercise Suitable for Everyone?
The answer is yes. No matter what your age or gender is, exercise is essential for your overall well-being. But, when we think of exercise, we usually come up with heavy and intense workouts that require us to go to the gym or buy exercise equipment. However, physical activity such as walking, jogging, swimming, or even playing sports serves the same purpose.
Although exercise is necessary, it is important to consider your limitations or abilities while choosing the perfect exercise for you. It is because every form of exercise is not suitable for everyone. For instance, high-impact activities or crunches are not suitable for people with back problems.
So, it is recommended to consult an expert, fitness instructor or an individual with a relevant background before planning your fitness routine. For instance, an individual with a bachelor in biology can help you understand what goes on in your body during exercise. It will also help you understand which exercise will be best for you.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity
It is widely known that exercise is good for our physical health. But, recent studies have also highlighted the numerous benefits exercise can have on our mental health. Consequently, physical activity is not only necessary for staying physically fit but is also important to boost and maintain our mental health. Here are some benefits you can get by making exercise an essential part of your daily routine.
1. Better Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, exercise might be your answer to getting a good night’s sleep. Exercise can elevate your body temperature, which helps relax your mind and leads to better sleep. Physical activity can also help in regulating your circadian rhythm. Although exercise can help you sleep better, it is recommended not to engage in a heavy workout right before bed.
2. Helps with Weight Loss
It is the most commonly known benefit of exercise. You can customize your workout according to your goals. For instance, if you want to maintain your weight, engaging in a moderate workout for around 150 minutes is recommended weekly. On the other hand, if you want to lose weight, you’ll require a much more intense workout and reduce your calorie intake.
3. Better Muscle and Bone Health
Exercising regularly can help you build and maintain strong muscles and bones. For instance, exercise increases your muscles’ ability to absorb amino acids, which makes them stronger. So, weightlifting and appropriate protein intake can help you build muscles.
Similarly, our muscles get weaker as we age, which increases the chances of injury. However, you can reduce these chances by exercising regularly to maintain muscle strength. In addition, exercise helps maintain bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis as you age.
4. Reduces Stress
Physical activity is a great way to let your stress out. Firstly, exercise distracts your mind from a lot of stuff going around or in your life. You may have noticed that you usually forget the things worrying you throughout the day after working out. It is because you turn your attention to your body’s movements and focus on the task at hand. Secondly, exercise releases neurotransmitters known as endorphins. They are also known as the ‘feel-good hormones’ and help you feel better and happy.
5. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Illnesses
Studies have shown that exercise can help improve heart health and affect insulin levels. It can help prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and obesity. No physical activity can lead to increased belly fat which can cause diabetes as well. Similarly, exercise can also help you reduce the chances of developing other diseases, such as:
- High cholesterol
- Some cancers include kidney, lung, ovarian, breast, and pancreatic
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
6. Helps Reduce Pain
Previously, rest and inactivity were considered the best remedy for chronic pain. However, recent studies have shown otherwise. People suffering from chronic pain can reduce their pain and considerably improve their quality of life with the help of regular light to moderate exercise. Physical activity can benefit people suffering from lower back pain, chronic soft tissue shoulder disorder, and more.
However, as mentioned above, only certain types of exercise are considered suitable for people with chronic pain. So, we recommend you seek advice from an expert beforehand.
7. Helps Reduce Depression and Anxiety
If you suffer from depression or anxiety, the last thing you might want to do is get out of bed and work out. But a workout can do wonders for your mental health. Exercise affects the part of your brain that regulate stress and anxiety. And it increases brain sensitivity to hormones such as serotonin which are important for good mental health. In addition, exercise also releases endorphins which can elevate your mood and make you feel happier. All these factors can help reduce feelings of depression.
Similarly, exercise can also help reduce anxiety. One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to focus on the present or be in the moment. And exercise is the best way to do so as it gives you a single task to focus on.
Concluding Thoughts
Our modern life has reduced the need for physical activity and has led us to live a more sedentary lifestyle. However, physical inactivity can be quite harmful to our physical and mental health as well. Lack of exercise can lead to chronic illnesses, obesity, and poor mental health.
So, it is crucial to make exercise an important part of your daily life. Regular exercise can help improve your sleep and mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and maintain bone and muscle strength.
