Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity are significant for better physical and mental health. Therefore, we should know about how to get benefits of exercise and physical activity. Major benefits include reducing risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and improving mood, sleep, and energy. Exercise and physical activity provides these benefits by strengthening muscles/bones, managing weight, and improving cardiovascular function, with benefits seen at any age by moving more and sitting less. Regular movement enhances overall quality of life and helps manage chronic conditions, making daily tasks easier and boosting well-being.
We should do exercises and physical activity regularly, because they can provide us with a lot of health benefits, such as improved physical and mental health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, better mood, and increased energy levels. The best exercises for seniors are Tai Chi Exercises that you can follow here: https://shopanfit.com.au/7-tai-chi-exercises-and-forms-for-seniors/
Physical and Mental Health Benefits:
Lowering the Risk of Chronic Diseases:
- Regular physical activity and exercises can lower the risk of heart disease including heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and osteoporosis.
- They can improve the heart health and blood circulation and lower blood cholesterol level and blood pressure.
Body Weight Management:
Regular physical activity and exercises help manage your body weight better, prevent weight gain and help in weight loss.
Stronger Bones and Muscles:
- Regular physical activity and exercises, especially weight-bearing, resistance, and strength exercises, help build stronger bones, muscles, strength and joints, lower risk of developing osteoporosis and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Improving Sleep, Mood and Energy Levels:
- Regular physical activity and exercises provide mental health benefits, such as better feeling or mood, improved sleep quality, more energy, and combating fatigue.
- Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
Cognitive Function, Self-Esteem & Social Interaction:
- Regular physical activity and exercises can help improve memory, attention, cognitive function, boosting self-confidence and body image.
- Outdoor exercising with others can provide opportunities for social interaction and a sense of community.
Dementia including Alzheimer’s:
- Regular physical activity and exercises may help people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia feel better.
Pregnant and Post-partum Women:
- Physical activity helps decrease risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, diabetes & weight gain, delivery complications, postpartum depression and newborn complications for pregnant and post-partum women.
References:
- Physical activity, WHO, 26 June 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity. Accessed on 28/08/2024.
- Benefits of exercise. URL: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/#:~:text=Exercise%20can%20reduce%20your%20risk,death%20by%20up%20to%2030%25. Accessed on 29/08/2024.