5 Benefits of an
Active Lifestyle
Most people tend to associate the
gym and at-home exercise with a personal goal. Usually these goals include
losing weight or building muscle. While it has been proven many times
over that a nutritionally rich diet, in tandem with an exercise routine, will
help you accomplish these goals – they’re not the only benefits. Incorporating
exercise into your lifestyle or even just increasing your activity levels, the
benefits reach far beyond these first two goals. It doesn’t matter which goal
you’re working toward, the overall benefits of an active lifestyle are well
worth the effort you put in, I promise. If you are afraid that
increasing your exercise level could result in an injury, don’t sweat it. Even
just a light walk or moderate aerobic activity is a great way to begin your new
active lifestyle. The best part of all this, is that once this increase in
exercise becomes a habit, a lifestyle – you’ll start to notice the short and long-term
advantages it brings to your life.
Now I want to be clear – this
doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in your favorite show, relax on the couch or
play your favorite game. This is about finding balance. Some would even say that exercise has led them to a more
balanced lifestyle and helped them to enjoy and appreciate the things they love
to indulge in even more. Don’t
feel like going to the gym means you should necessarily see results – go to the
gym to feel better. Go to the gym
with the big picture in mind – living a long, happy and fulfilling life. The
goal is your overall health. Here are a few benefits to leading an active
lifestyle…
1)
Reduce
your risk of heart disease. In the U.S., heart disease is the leading cause
of death, tragically claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year. But by
following the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control, which is
150 minutes per week of moderate-intense aerobic activity, such as walking, can
decrease your risk of this disease. When you break it down - 150 minutes per
week is only about 20 minutes each day. And if you choose to increase the
amount of time you stay active, you can even decrease your blood pressure and
help regulate cholesterol levels.
2)
Reduce
your risk of Diabetes Type II. By increasing your activity levels, of
course you’ll be bound to lose a few pounds, but you’ll also notice a positive
change in your blood sugar levels. Physical activity, even moderately, helps to
boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which helps control blood sugar
levels. Incorporating exercise in your daily routine will help you avoid potential
complications that are associated with Diabetes, including but not limited to,
kidney issues, eye problems and nerve damage.
3)
Reduce
your stress levels. Stress - I know we all feel it. It comes in so many
different forms, how can one not feel it?
It can present itself at work, at school, in your relationships, and
everything in between. The good news, which I’m sure you’ve heard before - is
that even minimal activity has been shown to increase the brain’s production of
endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that help reduce stress levels, elevate
your mood and increase your quality of sleep.
Stress effects everyone differently, and you should be aware of how your body is affected by it. As
mentioned before, most people associate working out with losing weight and
being fit, but the benefits don’t stop there. Leading an active lifestyle is
one of the most important aspects of your mental health and can bring you a
great deal of clarity and ultimately, help you react more positively to
stressful situations.
4)
Increase
your immune system. Regular activity is one of the best ways to improve
your immune system. When the immune system is boosted, you will be less likely
to succumb to those pesky and persistent illnesses, such as the common cold and
the flu. Think of how much more productive you will be at work and at home when
you don’t have to fight these illnesses off. The immune system is crucial in
preventative care – putting you one step ahead of illness.
5)
Improve
your daily activities. Your daily activities can range from climbing the
stairs in your home or at work, to playing with your children or grandchildren.
Leading an active lifestyle places you at a lower risk of having a functional
limitation, especially at an older age. Daily physical activity is great not
only for muscles, but for bones, joints and coordination. Stronger bones mean less
fractures at an older age. Stronger joints mean you will get to experience more
by not being limited by lack of stability. Finally, better coordination means
less risk of falling, causing a fracture in the bone or damaging a joint.
The benefits of an
active lifestyle are out there for anyone to have. It’s not selective, its
inclusive. It doesn’t matter one’s race, ethnicity, gender or age - anyone and
everyone can improve their quality of life by incorporating exercise into their
lifestyle. To me, leading an active lifestyle is a small price to pay to set
out for a long, happy and healthy life. A life full of family and friends, and
without any limitations. In life, it is
all about balance. Indulge, have fun,
be lazy sometimes – but be active, be productive – it will benefit you every day.
