Six ways exercise makes you feel better and boosts your health

EXERCISE! 

Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability. 

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

• At least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Even small amounts of physical activity in short bursts are helpful and provide health benefits.
• Strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least 2-3 times a week. 
• If you want to lose weight, meet specific fitness goals, or get even more benefits, you may need to ramp up your moderate aerobic activity to 300 minutes or more a week.

Check out these six ways exercise can be fun—while boosting your health and making you feel better. 

1. Exercise improves mood

Do you need an emotional lift or to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout session or brisk walk can help. Exercise and physical activity stimulate various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can improve your self-esteem and boost your confidence.

2. Exercise boosts energy

Are you winded from walking up stairs, doing household chores, or yard work? Regular physical activity can boost your endurance and improve your muscle strength. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

3. Exercise reduces the risk of diseases and combats health conditions 

Are you worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? Being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: 

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression & anxiety
• Stroke
• Many types of cancer
• Arthritis

4. Exercise controls weight

Exercise can help maintain weight loss or help prevent excess weight gain. When you exercise or do physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. Any amount of physical activity is better than none at all, even if you exercise in 5-10 minute increments.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep

Are you struggling to sleep or snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep, and even deepen your sleep. Exercising right before bedtime may cause you to be too energized to sleep.

6. Exercise can be enjoyable, fun, and social 

Getting fit may be easier than you think. Do what you love, whether it is dancing, walking, hiking the great outdoors, bike riding, or rolling around the yard with your kids. Invite a friend or family member to join you, or connect with family and friends in a fun social setting. If you’re busy, don’t let it stop you. Fit more activity into the things you already do every day—whether at home or at the office.

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