BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
So often exercise is associated only with how one looks. It is purely a visual gauge and not based on any measurements or metrics other than an arbitrary weight and maybe a body fat percentage. While exercise can create aesthetic changes in appearance - there are a myriad of physiological benefits that result in higher functioning and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life.
Incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. While exercise is defined as planned physical activity to enhance or sustain health and or fitness, even meeting the recommended amount of physical activity and being more active can yield benefits for many.
Improvement in Cardiovascular & Respiratory Function
Increased maximal oxygen uptake
Decreased heart rate and blood pressure at given intensity
Increased capillary density in skeletal muscle
Increased exercise threshold
Reduction in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Reduced resting blood pressure
Increased HDL cholesterol and decreased serum triglycerides
Reduced total body fat, intraabdominal fat, and visceral fat
Improved glucose tolerance
Reduced blood platelet adhesiveness and aggregation
Reduced inflammation
Decreased Morbidity & Mortality
Higher levels fitness/activity associated with lower incidence rates and death from CAD, CVD, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, osteoporotic fractures, cancers of; bladder, colon, endometrium, and lung; and gallbladder disease
Primary and secondary prevention (prevent initial occurrence and secondary occurrence)
Other Benefits
Decreased anxiety and depression
Improved cognitive function
Enhanced physical function and greater independence for older adults
Enhanced quality of life
Improved sleep quality and efficiency
Effective therapy for many chronic diseases
Enhanced performance; work, recreation, sports
While exercise poses a small risk, the benefits far outweigh the risks as long as proper medical screening and exercise prescription are in place. Greater levels of physical activity and exercise will yield positive physical and mental changes and result in a higher quality of life.