The Active Lifestyle Advantage: How Exercise Transforms Your Body & Mind

What Is The True Definition Of Exercise?

Physical activity is a broad term that encompasses many different forms of movement. Exercise is considered any physical activity that increases a person’s heart rate. Exercise can range from moderate to high-intensity physical activity. Working out has been proven to positively impact a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. Doctors encourage people to actively engage in physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week suggested for most adults.

Improve brain health

Exercise plays a vital role in overall brain health. Studies show that regular exercise can reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function in adults. People who regularly engage in moderate exercise perform better on academic tests and are less likely to develop dementia. Research also shows that exercise can improve mood and reduce depression. Furthermore, exercise improves sleep efficiency and quality, which leads to deeper and more restorative sleep.

Prevent chronic disease

Regular exercise allows patients to manage chronic diseases by improving blood flow and circulation. Diseases related to poor blood circulation, such as heart disease and diabetes, are less likely to occur in physically active patients. People who regularly work out are also at lower risk of developing many types of cancer.

Pregnancy and postpartum benefits

Consistent exercise during pregnancy keeps the patient at a healthy weight and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes. Women who are physically active may have an easier delivery. Exercise can also help improve mood for patients dealing with postpartum depression after pregnancy.

Improving self-image

Regular exercise is also an excellent way to boost self-esteem and confidence. Exercise allows people to maintain a healthy weight, which can improve overall appearance. With an improved appearance, many individuals experience a boost in confidence and a better outlook on life. Studies show higher life expectancy rates for people who consistently exercise.

The connection between exercise and bone health

High-impact exercises like jogging and running improve bone mass and density, which can prevent osteoporosis. As adults age, the body starts losing muscle mass, strength, and bone density. Moderate to high-intensity physical activity can help slow down this process. Lifting weights is a physical activity that increases muscle mass and strength. For older adults, better physical function means fewer falls and bone fractures.

Your exercise choices

There are 3 different categories of exercise: aerobic, anaerobic, and agility training. Aerobic exercises use oxygen to energize the body. Aerobic exercises increase blood circulation and flow throughout the muscles and support bone growth. Swimming and running are examples of aerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise focuses on muscle building through weightlifting and sprinting. Agility training improves people’s coordination and speed using sports like tennis or hockey to teach positioning and balance.

Working in working out

To achieve the many mental and physical benefits of working out, consistency is key. Find a preferred workout and devote time each week to focus on exercise. Set achievable goals, such as weight loss or increased running distance, to stay motivated. With a commitment to sufficient exercise, transformation is possible.