Whether you are just starting on your morning walk or are a pro athlete, there are days when we all require that extra boost, the motivation to keep going.
And it is during such times when you feel cold and wet, or had a frustrating day in the office, that the extra motivation induces you to continue exercising.
We are sure of one thing: that exercising is an essential part. But how do you muster the motivation and the dedication necessary to make it to the gym each day, or continue with your training routine? All this even after your schedule is bogged down with a million things, including your work, household responsibilities, social engagements, and travel schedule.
And more daunting is when you must start all over again since it has been years, or maybe even forever, since you regularly worked up a sweat. The right place is start is to get an idea of the big picture of why and how physical activity is indispensable for your well-being, both mental and physical.
Being Aware Of The Need For Regular ExerciseÂ
Runners will be aware of the runner’s high, that classic feel-good when exercising leads to the release of endorphins, hormones that promote a rush of euphoria and aid in focusing on various tasks.
Exercising also aids in your cardiovascular health and improves the quality and duration of your sleep. Both of these contribute to your energy levels throughout. It also reduces the danger posed by a variety of other forms of diseases such as diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes and even some cancers.
The movement provided to the body through exercise is also linked to a reduction in depression. But despite most of us being aware of the immense benefits, we continue to sidetrack exercising regularly and concentrate more on a healthy diet. We fail to recognize that both are complementary and equally important. The need for exercise increases with age as the body loses its inborn strength and the capacity to combat diseases.
The Life-Altering Paybacks Of ExerciseÂ
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people of all ages profit from consistent physical activity. It can have a positive impact on our physical well-being in various ways. Additionally, it also aids in our mental and emotional well-being.
Workouts for all age groups and abilities should be tailored to their capabilities and involvement. It should ideally include a mix of strength training, flexibility exercises, and aerobic activities.
As we grow past middle age, we normally lose the agility and stamina we were endowed with in our youth. But attaining a certain age or following a certain profession never means turning into a complete couch potato just because the body is not willing at all times.
Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on our well-being and give us added energy, and extra self-confidence. It enables us to face advancing years with confidence and gusto.
Direct Benefit From Exercises
Several of the important benefits of working out for us include the prevention of bone damage that has lost density with age. It is an irreversible and unrelenting process. Strength training leads to a reversal of this damage and has even been used to restore density. Stronger bones cause fewer fractures and also improve your balance. Thus, by reducing the chances of fractures and falls, exercise helps us become self-reliant and live better for longer periods.
Instead of being counterintuitive, movement aids in the control of stiffness and pain caused by arthritis. Exercises that relieve arthritis include strength training, motion exercises, and low-impact cardiovascular exercises.
Thus, by relieving the pressure exerted on aching joints, and strengthening surrounding muscles, exercise can bring relief from joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation.
Another great benefit linked to exercise is the protection it affords against myriad chronic diseases. They include diabetes, colon cancer, and obesity. Cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. For those suffering from such chronic conditions, exercise can relieve symptoms, if not minimize them.
It may even reduce the decline in cognitive decline. Studies have shown that participants above 60 displayed fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers when they exercised for at least 30 minutes each day.
One of the key benefits that has been linked to moderate but regular exercise is a lower occurrence of aggravated respiratory distress, a common ailment with the increase in pollution in urban areas. Reduced lung capacity is a common ailment and means more sick days off from work.Â
Experts stress that the anti-inflammatory results of physical activity enable improved immune function. Regular exercise also contributes to the improved performance of immune cells, especially among people who have crossed middle age.
Exercise also leads to an improvement in mood. It can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. It induces relaxation among people and leads to an all-round sense of well-being.
Exercises That Are Ideal For All Age Groups
Some exercise routines are best suited for all age groups as they incorporate the right blend of aerobics, strength and resistance training, and exercises that induce flexibility and stretching. Primary among them is yoga.
This ancient form of exercise is a low-impact activity that doesn’t strain the joints. It helps to stabilize and strengthen your core, gently works upon your flexibility, builds up your muscles, and strengthens your bones. It works on your balance, improves cardio and circulatory health, and has a host of other benefits.
Another ideal exercise that applies to all is aerobics, which includes any endurance activity that boosts cardiovascular function, improves regular stamina, and strengthens the airways and lungs.Â
Swimming, brisk walking, and riding stationary bikes are all ideal forms of aerobics for people leading a sedentary lifestyle and those who cannot devote much time to physical activity.
Exercise is more enjoyable and thus more effective if done in groups. Community-based programs are both motivating and also provide an extra safety layer for adults who require added supervision.
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