by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT
We know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. But did you know it also can improve your overall well-being and quality of life?
Let me give you a few examples starting at the top — our brain.
An oxygenated brain is a brain that has more potential for growth and plasticity. This means our brain is more capable of changing or learning, not just as we age, but as we recover from injury. Exercise’s effect on the brain can be so substantial it is used to help treat depression. Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects.
Moving on to our hearts. Did you know that too much sitting and doing nothing can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke? Exercise can lower your blood pressure and improve blood flow (circulation).
And what about that scale? Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help us keep off lost weight. When we exercise, we burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories we burn.
We also may feel better about our appearance when we exercise regularly, which can boost confidence and improve self-esteem.
Exercise also helps build bone density. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass, strength and function. This leads to an increased risk of injury. Practicing regular physical activity is essential to reducing muscle loss and maintaining strength as we grow older. Studies have shown that regular exercise significantly improved bone density in the lumbar spine, neck and hip bones. This may help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Physical activity may help us live longer, and those extra years are generally healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging.
So, super easy right? Move more, and sit less. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.
