“TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. IT’S THE ONLY PLACE YOU HAVE TO LIVE.” – JIM ROHN

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Many people hit the gym to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, get in a good shape and majorly to stay fit. But the benefits of staying active go far beyond just physical fitness and is good for healthier and happier life overall. Regular exercise can lead to both immediate and long-term benefits. While many of the reasons may seem obvious, it’s good to actually know it’s distinct benefits in conjunction with fitness. I have listed few surprising benefits of staying active on this blog. To bring in the maximum benefits of physical fitness, remember that you need to follow a proper routine every day and that’s the key.

Fitness: Fitness is about perceiving your health and body; so that, you are capable enough to do the activities you want to do and live the lifestyle you want to live with full enthusiasm. Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health, weight loss and also have fun… Try to engage in a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic exercises, such as – running, walking or swimming. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise for that perfect toned body. If you can’t find a large chunk of time to exercise every day, you can still do a lot to stay active and to reap the benefits of exercise. Just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a short walk, go for swimming, biking or any organized sports of your interest as these can significantly contribute to your physical fitness.

Health and medical concerns: A regular fitness routine has been shown to have a wide-range of positive health effects as – lower risk of cancer and stroke, better cardiovascular health, stronger flexible muscles. It also helps to prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, such as a heart disease, diabetes, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis, slowing of bone density loss associated with age etc..

Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance, making you feel more energetic. Running and aerobic exercise can restrain the development of disability in older adults.

*It’s preeminent to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems or any other medical concerns.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy safe exercise is important (with the approval of your doctor) and can help with some common discomforts of pregnancy, Keep you fit and even help prepare your body for labor and delivery. Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, swelling, can help to prevent or treat gestational diabetes. Few simple activities are swimming, brisk walking and indoor stationary bicycling that can benefit a lot during pregnancy. Just exercise with caution and do not overdo it. Also, you can check my blog on things to know when pregnant.

Positive attitude and good mood: Regular exercise can help reduce depression, anxiety, and helps in managing stress better. It can boost your energy levels. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Adding to it, exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain

Better sleep and more energy: One of the benefits of physical fitness is that it helps to get sound sleep and improves your sleeping habits – fall asleep more easily and sleep longer than those who do not exercise and are physically unfit. Exercise improves the blood flow in the body and promotes better sleep, both of which boost energy. A regular exercise program, especially in the mornings, will give you energy, help you relax and be less tensed leading to more productivity.

*Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to hit the sack.

Overall quality of life: Staying active and regular exercise not only helps you live longer — it helps you live better. It strengthens your immune system and decreases the risk of developing diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It also helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging and maintains the quality of life. The American Heart Association recommends just 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise three to four times a week. Even brisk walking will do.

• Promotes a longer, healthier life
• Reduces joint and muscle pain
• Increases energy levels and capacity for physical work and activities
• Lowers risk of falls and serious injuries like hip fractures
• Improves coordination, balance, and reflexes.
• Increases stamina, strength and flexibility
• Improves efficiency of the heart and lungs
• Decreased illness and disease.
• Fosters short-term brain function resulting in Increased cognitive skills.
• A decrease in stress, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption.

“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ” – Plato

These were few of the benefits of working out or staying active. If you guys have few more points which I may have missed or I might not be aware of, then I would love to know it. Also, what inspires you to stay fit? Tell us in the comments below.

Have a happy and healthy life.