The internet, smart phones and computer tablets have made life easier in modern times but have also had a hand in increasing stress in business competition, staying ahead of deadlines and staying up to date with information. Because of these added stresses, exercise in our lives is now more important than ever.
Here is what I believe to be the top seven benefits of exercise in terms of today’s highly stressful technological society.
1. Exercise helps weight control, encouraging healthy eating and becoming more nutrition conscious. We all know exercise burns calories but not everyone know which exercise gives you the longest “after burn”, in other words the most effective form of exercise for burning calories after you finish exercise. Aerobic exercise will give the most calorie burn during exercise, but the boost to metabolism stops pretty quickly also. Weight training has a much higher calorie after burn with some exercises being effective up to 72 hours after the activity has finished. For example, strength training and High Intensity Interval Training.
2. Exercise improves our overall health and contributes to longevity. Again weight bearing and strength exercises contribute to increased muscle strength, increased bone mineral density as well as improved circulation which improves heart and lung functions strengthens blood flow.
3. Exercise improves our mood. Endorphins are released when we exercise helping us to handle stressful situations with more ease, contributing to a reduced level of anxiety and a feeling of control when it comes to our emotions and perception on life.
4. Exercise improves our overall stamina. At the time of exercise we feel the release of endorphins which is like a rush of energy and improved outlook on life, but as we make exercise a regular part of our lives we build stronger muscles, bones, stronger core, stronger inner will, improve our fitness and overall improve our ability to handle/manage life and everything that is thrown at us. Our stamina to push through when needed is improved.
5. Exercise helps manage/cure insomnia. With the environment that we live in these days it is hard to “switch off”. But with the benefits of exercise being reduced heart rate, endorphin release which leads to relaxed muscles, and an overall healthier, happier mood, it is hard to deny that exercise promotes better sleeping patterns.
6. Exercise helps improve brain activity and overall mental health. Not only does exercise help reduce symptoms such as headache, vagueness, insomnia, it helps improve circulation to all organs including the brain which leads to improved thinking and reasoning especially in stressful times.
7. Exercise helps manage chronic disease. With the stats out there now it is hard to deny that we are one of the most unhealthiest countries in the world, with one of the highest rates of chronic disease and even higher rates of obesity (childhood obesity included). Yet, we know and understand that exercise is medicine. Exercise can help manage and even in some cases reverse and cure some of our most common chronic diseases which we face as a nation – heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, depression, eating disorders etc.
Remember exercise is more than just EXERCISE. It can be used as medicine, is should be enjoyed, it can bring fullness and happiness to lives. We were born to move, not live inactive-sedentary lives.
Just because we are always “connected” does not mean we need to “disconnect” from ourselves.
This year is YOUR year to MOVE, to IMPROVE, to be HAPPY.
Get in touch with me – SHARNA – today at – [email protected] – to find out about our Saturday group training sessions (bring a friend and make it fun), or our PT sessions in our brand new studio (groups of 2 or 3 options available), or even our ONLINE nutrition and training options!
