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7 Benefits of Regular Exercise
1. Exercise improves your mood.
Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You’ll look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
2. Exercise combats chronic disease.
Regular exercise can help you prevent, or manage, high blood pressure. It boosts good cholesterol while decreasing the bad cholesterol, which keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Regular exercise can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.
When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intensely you exercise, the more calories you burn – and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. Dedicated workouts are great, but the activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.
4. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When this happens, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep.
A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. Exercise is sometimes the key to better sleep. It can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, you might want to try late afternoon workouts. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you sleep.
6. Exercise can put the spark back in your sex life.
Regular exercise can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. Exercise improves your circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex. Men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than men who don’t exercise, especially as they get older.
7. Exercise can be fun!
Exercise doesn’t have to be drudgery. Find an activity you enjoy, and go for it! If you get bored, try something new. If you are moving, it counts!
Source: Adapted from MayoClinic.com