Salutaris

There’s more to exercise than just aesthetics and Lycra. Our bodies need us to move regularly in various ways to gain and maintain health in more ways than meets the eye. Think about yourself in the next five, ten, twenty or more years from now. Do you see yourself physically active and taking part in any activity you want, or is your vision of someone who is bed or chair ridden, watching the world go by?

Now, what do you need to do today to make your desired future a reality?

Exercise is a major key to a healthier, happier life with even more added benefits as you’ll see below.

Boosting Mental Health

Exercise is a powerful mood booster, releasing endorphins, those feel-good hormones, giving you that emotional charge. Whether you’re running, dancing, or doing yoga, these endorphins can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, leaving you feeling more balanced and upbeat.

Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance brain function by increasing blood flow, leading to memory improvement, cognitive function and even creativity. Think about your morning or evening movement routine as your way of clearing and sharpening your mind, making you more productive and effective as a bonus.

Strengthening our Skeletal System

How much thought do we give to our skeletal health?

As we age, our bones can become weaker, leading to conditions like osteoporosis. But here’s the good news: regular exercise, especially weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, and resistance training, can help strengthen your bones. When you engage in these activities, your bones respond by becoming denser and stronger.

Weight-bearing exercises stimulate bone formation by causing small amounts of stress to the bones, which encourages bone growth and increases bone density. This can significantly reduce the risk of fractures and other bone-related issues as you get older. So, by incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you’re not just building muscle; you’re building a stronger skeletal foundation.

Improved Circulatory System Function

Your heart is the engine that keeps everything running, and regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep it in top shape. Cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, and cycling improve your heart’s efficiency, enabling it to pump blood more effectively throughout your body. This, in turn, lowers your risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

When you exercise regularly, you help maintain healthy blood pressure levels and can also improve your cholesterol profile. Additionally, exercise helps keep your arteries flexible and clear, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis—a condition characterised by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Increased Respiratory Capacity

Let’s not forget about your lungs. Regular exercise enhances your respiratory health by increasing lung capacity and improving overall lung function. When you engage in aerobic activities, your breathing rate increases, which helps your lungs become more efficient at exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

This increased efficiency means your body can get more oxygen to your muscles during workouts and everyday activities, helping you feel more energised and less fatigued. Moreover, improved respiratory health can lower the risk of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

By mixing the types of exercise you partake in, you can gain steady increases in your Respiratory system function and capacity.

Muscular Improvement

Finally, let’s talk muscles. Let’s be honest, we all like to look our best and good muscle tone goes a long way to making that happen. While not everyone is after the body-building physique, we should strive for the strength our muscles can provide to move through our day with physical intention. Regular exercise is essential for building and maintaining muscle strength and endurance. Strength training exercises like weightlifting, resistance band workouts, and body-weight exercises such as push-ups and squats are excellent for muscle development.

As you work out, your muscles undergo tiny tears, which then repair and grow stronger. This process not only increases muscle mass but also enhances muscle tone and endurance. Strong muscles support your joints, improve your balance, and reduce the risk of injuries. Plus, having more muscle mass boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories, even at rest.

Comprehensive Wellness

One of the most compelling aspects of regular exercise is its domino effect on overall wellness. Improved physical health often leads to better sleep patterns, which in turn enhances mood and mental clarity. Better sleep and a happier mindset contribute to more consistent exercise and motivation, creating a positive feedback loop.

Moreover, regular physical activity can help with weight management, which is crucial for preventing and managing a host of chronic conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of cancer. When combined with a balanced diet and other lifestyle protocols, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, providing yet another layer of protection against various health issues.

Getting Started

The best part about exercise is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer solo activities like running and yoga or group classes like Zumba and spin, the key is to find things you enjoy. Starting small and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts can help you build a sustainable routine.

Remember, consistency is more important than intensity. Even moderate levels of physical activity, such as brisk walking or gardening, can provide significant health benefits if done regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days per week.

The Takeaway: Exercise is Essential for a Better You

In a nutshell, regular exercise is a powerhouse for your health. It boosts your mental well-being, strengthens your bones, supports your heart, enhances your lung capacity, and builds muscle strength. By making exercise a regular part of your life, you’re investing in a healthier, more vibrant future. So, lace up those sneakers, find some activities you love, and start reaping the myriad benefits of a more active lifestyle. Your body and mind will thank you!

Remember

Every body is different and different. Your personal abilities and current level of fitness need to be considered when starting or changing your fitness routines. Seek the professional advise from qualified physicians and personal trainers to start safely and build a plan that will show results. You will be amazed at how quickly your body will respond for the better with consistency and the right approach.