The Many Benefits of Exercise

Along with promoting healthy eating, Dr. Ali Ghahary is a strong advocate of patients also introducing regular physical activity into their daily routines. The rewards of exercise can be obtained regardless of your age, gender, or physical ability. Below are some of the positives of fitness.

Prevent Weight Gain / Maintain Weight Loss

This is one of the most common reasons why Canadian adults choose to introduce regular physical activities into their routines, especially with obesity on the rise in Canada. By engaging in physical activity, you burn calories, which in turn reduces body fat and builds muscle. Physical activity can be done by working out at a gym, going for brisk walks, participating in yoga classes, and even swimming. It is important to choose something that you like doing so that you can stick with it.

Reduces Pain

As we age, bone loss occurs which can result in back pain. Regular physical activity does not only help reduce pain and lessen the risk of osteoporosis, but it also increases muscle strength, endurance, and helps improve your posture and flexibility.

Improves Mood / Alleviates Anxiety

In addition to helping with weight loss, regular fitness and exercise also helps to improve the mood. Partaking in moderate to high intensity exercise helps stimulates the brain cells and provides you with emotional stability, relieves stress and anxiety, and boosts your confidence. You will be left feeling happier and relaxed as a result.

Lessens the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Exercise helps to raise the HDL levels (also known as the “good” cholesterol) and decreases LDL levels (the bad cholesterol.) It also strengthens the heart muscle and increases the working capacity of your heart. As a result, this lessens your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Boosts Energy

In addition to helping your cardiovascular system work more efficiently, exercise has also been proven to be beneficial in boosting your energy as it delivers oxygen and important nutrients to your tissues.

Productivity

Whether you are a student studying, need to get an important task at work completed, or simply want better concentration, exercise produces new brain cells (also known as neurogenesis) which helps to boost the brain’s performance. As a result, you are able to get more done.

Lastly, while it can sometimes be difficult to get motivated, exercise doesn’t have to be something that is thought of as a chore, but can instead be thought of as something that is fun. There are many different types of exercise and ways you can go about it – from working out in a gym, enjoying the outdoors by going on a bike ride, or playing your favourite sport.

It is important to note that strenuous physical activity is not needed in order to reap the benefits. Something as simple as a 30-minute workout can prove to be beneficial for your overall health.