Exercise: What Is It Good For?

Feeling a little unmotivated? Here are 10 compelling reasons to add exercise into your day.

The human body was designed to move, and when it’s deprived of this movement, the results can manifest as poor physical health, mood instability, and accelerated ageing. Your physical and mental health depend so much on exercise that not getting enough is considered one of the 10 major risk factors for death worldwide. As little as 30 minutes of exercise can create immediate changes in your physical and mental health and, when undertaken over a period of time, leads to a list of benefits that you just can’t ignore …

Improves heart health: Daily exercise reduces the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Releases “happy hormones”: When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins then interact with the receptors in your body to reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a happy feeling within your body that has the long-term effect of creating a more positive outlook on life.
Assists with weight management: Muscles need energy in order to workout, so your body burns calories (or energy) from the fats and carbohydrates that you eat in a series of chemical reactions that produce heat.
Builds muscle mass: Exercise supports muscle growth which improves metabolism, reduces the risk of injuries, and helps with balance and stability.
Boosts energy levels: When you are tired, the last thing you feel like doing is exercising. However, there is no question that a good 30-minute exercise session increases your energy levels for the rest of the day.
Increases productivity: If you are feeling a little stuck or unmotivated, a half-hour run or HIIT session will kick your brain into gear. You will be surprised at what you can then achieve.
Reduces the risk of dementia: Increasing your heart rate improves blood flow to the brain, which helps your brain function better. Studies found that exercising increases the size of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory and learning.
Reduces the risk of osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is characterised by the loss of calcium in a person’s bones, which makes them more likely to fracture (break). Exercising regularly reduces the rate of bone loss and conserves bone tissue, lowering the risk of fractures.
Promotes good sleep: Regular exercise can help you relax and sleep better. One study found that 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week provided up to a 65% improvement in sleep quality.
Increases the quality and quantity of your lifespan: Regular exercise not only adds years to your life, but adds life to your years.