Benefits of exercise

It doesn’t matter where you exercise or if you’ve never set foot in a gym, as long as you start doing something now.

When you’re active, your cells become more sensitive to insulin which means that they are better equipped to draw glucose (sugar) out of your blood and into the cells to make energy. The increased activity makes the muscles need more energy from glucose which then further reduces the glucose levels in the blood.

Physical activity has positive effects on all areas of your health and wellbeing. Some of these benefits are listed below:

Lowers blood pressure

Being active and taking regular physical activity lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition. Regular activity can also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure.

Lowers harmful ‘bad cholesterol‘ (LDL) and triglycerides

A lack of physical activity can increase the level of “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL). LDL carries cholesterol to the cells that need it. If there’s too much cholesterol for the cells to use, it can build up in the artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries.

Increases healthy ‘good cholesterol‘ (HDL)

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it’s either broken down or passed out of the body as a waste product. For this reason, HDL is referred to as “good cholesterol” and higher levels are better.

Strengthens muscles and bones

Physical activity is important for building strong bones when we are younger, and it is essential for maintaining bone strength when we are older.

Boosts your mood and reduces anxiety levels

Physical activity promotes chemicals in the brain that improve your mood and make you more relaxed. Specifically, the brain releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins throughout the body.

Reduces your risk of a heart attack and stroke

Just as physical activity strengthens other muscles in your body, it also helps your heart muscle work better to pump blood throughout your body. This lowers the stress on your heart and arteries, which if blocked, can cause heart attacks and stroke.

Lowers your risk of osteoarthritis

Physical activity can help relieve joint pain from osteoarthritis. It strengthens the muscles around the joints which helps take the stress off joints, reduces joint stiffness, builds flexibility and endurance.

Reduces your risk of breast and colon cancer

Staying active can help you lower your risk of many types of cancer including breast, colorectal and uterine cancers. It may lower cancer risk by helping weight management and strengthening the immune system.

Helps you manage stress and sleep better

Increasing your activity levels can contribute to more sound and restful sleep. Physical activity increases the time spent in deep sleep, the phase of sleep that is most beneficial to our health. Deep sleep also helps to boost immune function, support cardiac health, and control stress and anxiety.