12 Reasons You Should Exercise Regularly

It’s the modern age, technology has made our lives easier, and everyday activities are not as strenuous and demanding as they used to be for previous generations. Studies have shown that leading a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health, and inactivity is even said to be a “silent killer”. It is recommended to get at least 75 minutes of moderate or 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, which comes with various benefits; from improving your mood to boosting productivity, find out how exercise can make your life better.

1. Manage bodyweight

Through exercise, you can prevent excessive weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you exercise you burn calories, and the more intense the physical activity, the more calories you burn.

2. Fight health conditions and diseases

Exercise increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduces unhealthy triglycerides, which reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can also prevent or manage metabolic syndrome, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis, among other health problems.

3. Boost energy levels

If you have issues completing everyday tasks or chores and get winded easily, you can improve your muscle strength and endurance by exercising regularly.

4. Improve your mood

Physical activity stimulates the release of hormones called endorphins, which leave you feeling happy and euphoric, consequently lifting your mood and combating stress or depression.

5. Get better sleep

With regular physical activity, struggling to fall asleep will become a problem of the past. You will fall asleep faster and sleep deeper, which will leave you ready and energized to take on the next day (just try not to exercise right before bedtime). If you struggle with insomnia, exercise may also be the way to rectify your circadian rhythms and improve your sleeping patterns.

6. Improve brain functioning

Studies have shown that regular exercise can boost neurogenesis – the process that creates new brain cells, consequently improving overall cognitive performance.

7. Keep your brain healthy

Exercising regularly boosts chemicals within the brain that essentially prevent degeneration of the hippocampus – the section of the brain that is tasked with memory and learning, especially among adults aged between 25 and 45 years.

8. Keep your body fit and able

Regular physical activity generally improves your level of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks independently all the way to old age. Through exercise, you can improve muscle strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and balance.

9. Increase productivity

A short walk or jog each day may leave you feeling inspired to get more done. Studies have shown that individuals who spare time to exercise regularly are more productive and have more energy to get them through the day than their peers who lead more sedentary lifestyles.

10. Control addiction

Pleasure derived from exercise, alcohol, drugs, sex, or food, among other stimulants, causes the brain to release dopamine (the “reward chemical”), which some people unfortunately become addicted to. Exercise sessions can distract addicts by helping them de-prioritize cravings, thus aiding the process of addiction recovery.

11. Build self-esteem

Exercise has the ability to give you that confidence boost you may be in need of, as it can build your self-esteem and promote positive self-image and feelings of self-worth, regardless of your size, weight, age, or gender.

12. Improve sexual performance

Erectile dysfunction is a problem that men who exercise regularly are less likely to face, whereas arousal for women gets enhanced. As mentioned earlier, exercise can boost your energy levels and physical fitness, consequently giving your sex life a boost.

Bonus Benefits

The benefits of exercise discussed here are only but a tip of the iceberg. There are many more reasons you might want to get moving and maintain an active lifestyle, including, but not limited to:

• Reduced stress.
• Alleviated anxiety.
• Slowed down aging process.
• Improved skin tone and colour.
• Improved joint function.
• Improved appetite and eating habits.
• Increased longevity.
• Strengthened bones.
• Lowered risk of osteoporosis.
• Improved posture.
• Eased back pain.
• Improved quality of life.

So, with all these benefits to enjoy, you can't go wrong by deciding to be more active and maintain an active lifestyle.