The Many Benefits of Regular Physical Activity

Do you want to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility, have more energy, sleep better, feel happier, and reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers?

The answer is simple: start (and stay) active.

Regardless of your age or ability level, getting active—whether it’s walking, jogging, strolling, rolling, stretching, yoga, dancing, or weightlifting—can positively impact your physical and mental wellbeing and lead to a better quality of life.

But how?

Read on to learn how the benefits of regular physical activity can transform your day-to-day life.

Reach or Maintain a Healthy Weight

Inactivity is a major contributing factor to weight gain. Regular movement, like walking a Monday Mile or practicing yoga, can help burn excess calories and increase your metabolic rate, which may lead to further weight loss.

Strengthen Bones and Muscles

Breaking an ankle or fracturing a hip can take you out of commission for months. By engaging in moderate physical activity and/or weight training, you can maintain muscle function as well as build bone density.

Improve Heart and Lung Function

Staying active helps keep your heart and lungs healthy by lowering blood pressure, boosting good cholesterol levels, and improving blood flow and circulation. A consistent exercise regimen can help increase stamina, which in turn improves lung function and heart strength.

Sleep Better

Studies show that moderate aerobic exercise and can improve sleep quality and duration as well as boost energy levels the following day. Regular exercise has been found to be especially effective for aging populations who are experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Lower Risk of Developing Chronic Diseases

Yes, staying active really can reduce your risk of developing certain diseases. Even low-intensity movement like walking and tai chi can help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.

Reduce Pain

In many cases, moderate physical activity reduces chronic pain better than rest and inactivity. Several studies show that exercise can help control pain associated with various health conditions, including chronic low back pain and chronic soft tissue shoulder disorder.

Feel Happier

Physical activity stimulates the body’s production of natural feel-good hormones, which can help improve mood and self-esteem, while reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

There’s no better way to start the week than with some physical activity. Make Monday your day to commit to some more movement and reap all the health benefits of regular exercise.