Exercise is not solely about losing weight and toning up. The impact of exercise can enhance our lives in many different ways. Research shows it improves mental and physical health, improves cardiovascular health, helps us sleep more soundly, and boosts our mood. Physical activity can be enjoyable and widen your social circle, exercising isn’t all about ‘feeling the burn’ or ‘no pain, no gain’.
Getting out for a walk, swim, cycle or any type of physical activity if you’re having a bad day can reduce your stress levels. Exercise stimulates the release of feel good chemicals (endorphins) in the brain which improves your self-confidence and promote a positive self-image. Regardless of age, gender, size and weight exercise can elevate a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness and self-esteem.
Physical activity not only keeps the brain healthy by encouraging blood flow, but it also stimulates chemicals which protect the brain. You may be surprised to learn that regular exercise can help slow down cognitive degeneration such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. There is approximately 4000 new cases of Dementia diagnosed in Ireland every year (Living with Dementia, 2015).
Our bodies were made for movement, if we have a lot of unused energy it can create physical and mental tension. Studies have proven there is a direct relationship between inactivity and anxiety. An anxiety disorder can be the result of the mental tension. Regularly exercising can help hugely if anxiety is causing you a problem in your daily life.
It’s the simple changes we make that can alter the way our bodies look and feel. A gym membership isn’t necessary to create a healthy exercise routine. Set achievable goals for yourself, start with twenty minutes of gentle exercise and build it up gradually. By building it up slowly it is more likely to become a permanent fixture in your life. There is no doubt that the impact of exercise will have a very positive effect on your overall well-being.
Check out our blog post 7 Tips To Kick Start Your Summer Weight Loss and you’ll find one or two, perhaps more, ways of getting an exercise routine going.
