The 7 benefits of exercise

Exercise is the silver bullet for an extended and healthy living. Exercise not only aids weight loss but also reduces the risk for chronic diseases and conditions. Any amount of exercise and at any age is beneficial. The bottomline is JUST KEEP MOVING! What are the direct benefits of exercise?

1. Heart Disease: Exercise strengthens heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol, increases good cholesterol, improves blood flow to heart. The benefits - reduction of heart attack and blood pressure.
2. Stroke: Being active reduces the risk of having and dying from a stroke by almost 20%.
3. Type II Diabetes: Exercise enhances weight loss, improves the Insulin sensitivity of tissues, reduces blood pressure, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels - all of which are beneficial in diabetes. Regular exercise from young age can reduce the risk of developing Type II Diabetes by 34%.
4. Obesity: Exercise reduces body fat and increases muscle mass, leads to a direct reduction in obesity-related diseases.
5. Back Pains: Muscle strengthening and flexibility in fitness programs can help prevent back pains.
6. Osteoporosis: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, stair climbing increases bone formation, reduces bone loss and strengthens muscles - all of which reduce the risk of fractures. Women who walk 4 hours a week have a 41% reduction in hip fractures than women who do not.
7. Psychological Benefits: Regular physical activity improves self-esteem. The brain releases endorphins during exercise that improves mood. Exercise helps you to cope with stress, wards off depression and anxiety.

Not getting enough exercise? Try these simple ideas:
1. Adopt a dog and take it for walks every day.
2. Do things the old-fashioned way - get up and change the television channel; open the garage door manually; use a push lawnmower.
3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
4. Walk briskly whenever you can.
5. Minimize use of your car; walk to destinations within a mile.
6. Take up tennis or any other game or sport you enjoy.
7. Join a gym or health club.

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