What regular exercise does for you
Increases the performance of your brain
Exercise releases natural chemicals into your brain such as
serotonin. These can have a strong affect on your mood, helping to
reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Exercise also triggers the release of naturally produced
chemicals that protect brain cells and keep them performing at top
speed. At any age, exercise boosts concentration simply by helping
you get a restful nights sleep. Ironically, being unfit often makes
you susceptible to tiredness - and being tired often means you
don't exercise enough.
Gradually increasing your activity levels will give you more
energy.
Reduces fat
Combined with healthy eating exercise is crucial to preventing
obesity and helping you maintain a healthy weight. Activity
encourages the body to use up stored fat while developing your
muscles help burn more calories when you are not at the gym.
Reduces blood pressure
High blood pressure is caused by a narrowing or your arteries.
Exercise increases the amount of "good cholesterol" in your blood
which helps to transport fat away from your arteries, which helps
in the prevention and management of high blood pressure and
cholesterol. High blood pressure leads to heart disease and
stroke.
Improves confidence, self belief and general well being
A great exercise releases chemicals in your body called
endorphins, these make you feel great after a work out session and
boost self confidence. Using exercise to achieve your goals with
enhance great self belief. Improving your posture, heart and lungs,
health and stress levels will all contribute to greater sense of
well being.
Gives stronger bones
Regular exercise produces stronger bones. This is especially
important for women who are at risk from osteoporosis or brittle
bone disease. Activities such as brisk walking, skipping, aerobics
and weight training are particularly useful.
Builds muscle strength and flexibility
You can't bank muscles. It is a case of use them or lose them.
Regular exercise helps keep muscles supple and strong. Anything
that involves reaching, bending and stretching of muscle groups can
help you keep a full range of movement and stay independent when
you get older.
Strengthening your muscles with activities such as stair
climbing, carrying shopping, weight training and walking will help
give you good balance and posture and reduce your risk of falling.
Improved muscle tone can help with your shape, making you feel and
look better. Finally, larger muscles use up more calories and so
help keep you a
healthy weight.
Fights disease
Inactivity increases your risk of colon and breast cancer and is
also linked to cancers of the womb, lung and prostate. Being very
active can half your risk of colon cancer. High blood pressure can
speed up the progress of kidney disease. Exercise helps to control
blood pressure and so helps to look after your kidneys.
Maintains a healthy heart
Your heart is a muscle, so the more you use it the stronger it
becomes. Aerobic activities like brisk walking, dancing, cycling or
swimming will help your heart become a more efficient pump. These
types of exercise will also reduce blood pressure, increase good
cholesterol, improve blood flow and therefore reduce the risk of
type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and strokes.
Top website recommendations
National Health Service
British Heart
Foundation
