A workout is totally worth it: Understanding the benefits of exercise

When your schedule is packed, hitting the gym may seem like something you can skip over. Your health will thank you, though, if you don’t. There are many physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise.

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s absolutely true: When you exercise regularly, you’ll feel better, and you’ll be in better health.

If you’ve wondered why you need that exercise, you aren’t alone. Most of us have pondered whether a workout is worth it, at least a time or two.

We’re providing you with the details of why it’s worth it. Bookmark this article from our team of University Medical Center New Orleans experts and revisit it the next time you need a little extra motivation to get your exercise on.

Table of Content:

·     What happens when you don’t exercise

·     Exercise does the body good

·      6 quick ideas for getting a workout in

·      Exercise and mental health

·      Exercise and Weight Management

·      Exercise and Chronic Disease Prevention

·      Exercise and Longevity

·      Making Exercise a Habit

What happens when you don’t exercise

If you’ve ever looked at a list of risk factors for … well, nearly any health condition, you probably saw “a sedentary lifestyle” on the list. What does that mean?

Essentially, sedentary means a person spends more time sitting and less time moving. A lack of formal exercise and physical activity in general increases the risks of developing many medical conditions, including everything from high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction to heart disease and stroke.

Not being physically active can affect your health in more than one way, too. When you aren’t moving your body regularly, you’re more likely to experience weight gain. Being overweight or obese, in turn, is another risk factor for developing conditions like those listed above and Type 2 diabetes.

Exercise does the body good

Let’s take a look at the flipside. What happens when you exercise regularly? Lots of good things!

Regular physical activity can boost your energy levels, keep you more focused and productive, help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood flowing effectively through your heart and body, lower your risk of heart disease and other health conditions, and improve your mental and cognitive health.

There are even greater health benefits for older adults. Regular exercise reduces risks of many different conditions and health issues often associated with aging, including risks of falls and dementia.

How much exercise do you need? Experts recommend that most adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week for optimal health. Even a smaller amount can make a big difference, though.

Studies show the power of adding movement into your day—one study found that approximately 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if adults added at least 10 minutes of movement to their day, while another study found that increasing step count lowers the risk of premature death.

Think about it this way: If you get the 150 minutes of recommended activity each week, that’s just 1/67 of the total minutes in your week. That’s a small investment with big benefits!

6 quick ideas for getting a workout in

Don’t feel like hitting the gym for a workout? That’s OK! You can incorporate movement into your day in many different ways. Try these ideas:

1. Turn on some music while you’re cleaning the house and make it a dance party.
2. Head outside for a half hour of weeding and other gardening tasks.
3. Hit the playground with your kids and be active with them, rather than sitting over to the side.
4. Put on your walking shoes, pop in your earbuds and go for a walk during your next conference call.
5. Pick up a jump rope and hop, skip and jump like your elementary-age self.
6. Walk all the aisles at your favorite big box store or around your local mall, window-shopping along the way.

It doesn’t ultimately matter what activity you choose. Pick something that doesn’t involve sitting—and get moving!

Being physically active is an investment in your future heart health. Looking for other ways to make sure your ticker’s in top shape? The Heart & Vascular Care teamat University Medical Center New Orleans is here to help.

Exercise and Mental Health

Regular physical activity isn't just good for your body; it's also beneficial for your mental health. Exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve your mood, boost your self-esteem, and enhance your cognitive function.

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and mood elevators, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed. Regular physical activity can also help improve sleep quality, which is essential for mental well-being. When you sleep well, you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity can help regulate your mood and reduce negative thoughts. It can also help you to feel more in control of your life and your emotions.

In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, exercise can also improve cognitive function. Regular physical activity can help improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It can also help to protect your brain from age-related decline.

Exercise and Weight Management

Exercise plays a crucial role in weight management. It helps you burn calories and build muscle, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, exercise can help you control your appetite and reduce cravings.

When you exercise, your body burns calories. The more you exercise, the more calories you burn. This can help you create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss. Additionally, exercise helps to build muscle mass. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn throughout the day.

Exercise can also help you control your appetite and reduce cravings. When you exercise regularly, your body releases hormones that can help you feel full and satisfied. This can help you avoid overeating and make healthier food choices.

By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can improve your weight management and overall health.

Exercise and Chronic Disease Prevention

Regular physical activity can help prevent or manage a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.

Heart Disease: Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow. This can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Type 2 Diabetes: Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. This can help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.

Cancer: Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Other Chronic Diseases: Exercise can also help prevent or manage other chronic diseases, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and back pain.

By incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and improve your overall health.

Exercise and Longevity

Studies have shown that regular exercise can help you live a longer, healthier life. By reducing your risk of chronic diseases and improving your overall health, exercise can help you age gracefully.

Regular physical activity can slow down the aging process by preserving muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function. It can also help improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility, reducing your risk of falls and injuries.

Additionally, exercise can boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to illness. It can also help regulate your hormones and improve your sleep quality, both of which are essential for healthy aging.

By incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle, you can increase your chances of living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Making Exercise a Habit

To make exercise a regular part of your routine, try these tips:

Start small: Begin with short, manageable workouts and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Don't overwhelm yourself with a rigorous workout routine right away. Start with a few minutes of exercise each day and gradually build up to longer sessions.

Find an activity you enjoy: Choose activities that you find fun and engaging. If you enjoy your workouts, you're more likely to stick with them. Experiment with different activities until you find something that you love.

Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals and track your progress. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

Find a workout buddy: Having a workout partner can help you stay motivated and accountable. You can encourage each other, push each other to work harder, and make the experience more enjoyable.

Make it convenient: Schedule workouts into your day and choose activities that are convenient for you. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during your lunch break.

By incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle, you can improve your overall health and well-being. Remember, consistency is key. Stick with it, and you'll be amazed at the results you can achieve.

Conclusion: Prioritize Your Health

Incorporating regular exercise into your lifestyle is one of the best investments you can make in your health and well-being. By prioritizing physical activity, you can improve your physical and mental health, boost your energy levels, and enhance your overall quality of life.

So, the next time you're tempted to skip a workout, remember the numerous benefits of exercise. Take that first step, lace up your shoes, and get moving!

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