Exercise isn’t something most people think about until they’re older or something compromises their health. They might gain weight or suffer from conditions ranging from diabetes to heart disease before they take heed to the significance of physical activity. Although regular exercise can help ease or even cure some of these problems, it’s best to use it as a preventative measure. Essentially, incorporating fitness into your every day routines is a practical way to prevent life-altering health issues.

Whether you prefer to hit the gym, dance, swim, play sports, or work out at home with an interactive gym wall mirror, indulging in regular physical activity can enhance your life in more ways than one.

Maintain Healthy Weight And Physique

Let’s start with the most commonly known reason to exercise – maintaining a healthy weight and physique. Physical activities help your body burn calories from your diet. It also helps to burn fat and build muscle for a tight and tone form. Developing an exercise routine that includes cardio and strength training will keep the excess pounds at bay.

Keeps The Heart Healthy

Your heart is one of the most vital and hardworking organs in the body. When it begins to fail, it reduces your quality of life and puts you at risk for everything from heart disease to a stroke. Exercise works to prevent this by increasing your good cholesterol levels and eliminating triglycerides, improving blood flow, strengthening the heart, and reducing your risk of severe heart conditions.

Boosts Your Mood

Your emotional health is also tied to regular exercise. The brain produces a hormone known as cortisol when you’re under a lot of stress. Too much cortisol can lead to mental health problems. Physical activity helps regulate your hormones by reducing cortisol levels and increasing endorphins and dopamine (feel-good hormones). Not to mention, when you’re in shape and otherwise healthy, you tend to feel a bit more confident about yourself.

Increases Energy Levels

You may be wondering how exercising (something exhausting) would somehow make you feel more energized, but the answer is simple. Working out increases oxygen levels in the body, enabling you to breathe better and enhancing heart function. Ultimately, a stronger heart and lungs make it easier for you to get through the day without feeling drained.

Releases Toxins

Whether you know it or not, your body is exposed to toxins every day, from the air you breathe to the foods you eat. When those toxins build up in the body, it can lead to serious medical problems. Getting active can reduce the chances of this happening to you. When you work out, your body begins to sweat, eliminating toxins. Just be sure to take a shower when you’re done to avoid clogging your pores.

Improved Muscle And Bone Health

Your muscles, bones, and joints are essential to get around. Unfortunately, as you age, the density, mass, and condition of these body parts weaken, leaving you vulnerable to conditions ranging from arthritis to fractures. On the other hand, weak muscles make it more challenging to walk, lift, and complete daily functions. Taking a walk or jog a few times a week makes a big difference. It strengthens muscles and bones, enabling you to be on the go without any problems.

Longer Lifespan

Who wouldn’t want to add an extra five, ten, or even twenty years to their life? Well, when you exercise regularly, you are doing just that. As you can see from above, including fitness in your routine reduces the risk of several medical problems. Essentially, your mind and body go through less stress and function more efficiently. Not to mention, if you’re not at risk of heart disease, chronic stress, or cancer (some of the most common killers), you can live longer.

Although exercise is ideal for soothing symptoms of certain health conditions, that’s not all it’s suitable for. Instead of using exercise as a reactionary measure, use it as a means to prevent affecting your physical and emotional well-being. Start exercising at least five times a week for 30 minutes to an hour to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.