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Exercise The benefits of exercise 1: Exercise controls weight Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and reduces unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to Dr. Ken Cooper, M.D., of the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research, there are 40 percent fewer heart attacks among women who exercise. Studies have shown that exercise reduces the incidence of colon cancer by 50 percent. 3: Exercise improves mood Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. 4: Exercise boosts energy Regular physical activity improves your muscle strength and boosts your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime or you may be too energized to fall asleep. 6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise. 7: Exercise can be fun Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time with others. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find an activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new. 8: Exercise makes you younger Those who want to slow down the aging process and be fully functional need to understand that exercise is absolutely essential. There is no way around it. No matter how many anti-aging hormones and supplements you take, without the correct exercise program, you are wasting your time. The bottom line on exercise Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Many gerontologists, medical experts specializing in treating old people, REGARD EXERCISE AS THE CLOSEST THING IS TO AN ANTI-AGING PILL. They believe that a regular program of physical activity can go far in slowing or reversing many of the physiological changes of illness associated with aging, and can thus help restore youthful vitality. Why is interval training the best? Interval training is the best because it increases both your ability to burn fat and increases your aerobic energy-producing capability. The Easy Way – 18 minutes of interval training Exercise fast for 2 minutes and slow for 4 minutes. Do this 3 times a day. This technique is best used on an elliptical trainer because it uses both upper and lower body muscles. |
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