subject: Exercise, key to good health [print this page] Exercise, key to good health Exercise, key to good health
Everyone knows exercise is important and a beneficial factor in all of our lives. But do we really know how crucial exercise is for us?
As we all know exercise helps us maintain a healthy size, and most of us exercise in order to lose our unwanted weight. But losing weight isn't the only thing exercise is good for. Various studies have shown that exercise improves our mental health, and general sense of well being. If we fall into the category of being active, then we have a stronger prevention against mental illnesses such as clinical depression. Studies have suggested that regular exercise is just as effective for treating depression as are treatments and medicines. By doing no exercise and being classed as inactive, your chances of having a mental illness are much higher. For you who suffer with anxiety related disorders, exercise has an impact on relieving that anxiety, whether it is stress, panic attacks or phobias. It can make you sleep better, feel happier, lower your stress and boost that self image. We have over 20 different types of endorphins in our nervous system, and the beta endorphins secreted during exercise have the most powerful effect. The release of these beta endorphins reduces pain and stimulates feelings of euphoria. This is why so many of us after exercise feel invigorated and enthusiastic.
Not only does exercise improve our mental health but of course it improves our physical health as well. Scientific evidence proves that people who lead active lifestyles are less likely to suffer from illnesses and are more likely to live longer. Exercise reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke, whereas inactive people have double the risk of having heart disease. Being active can also improve your cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure and help to promote healthy blood sugar levels. Having poor blood sugar levels can eventually damage your nerves, kidneys and arteries. Maintaining an active lifestyle also means a lowered risk of cancer, especially colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer.
Exercise, is in fact, crucial for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even if it's just thirty minutes walking every day, you will still gain the health benefits. There really is no excuse is there?
