Not only does exercise aid in weight loss, it reduces your risk for several chronic diseases and conditions.Research has confirmed that any amount of exercise, at any age, is beneficial. And, in general, the more you do the greater the benefits.
Exercise can help prevent or improve these conditions:
Heart Disease:Regular activity strengthens your heart muscle; lowers blood pressure, increases good cholesterol (HDL-High Density lipoproteins) on lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL-Low Density Lipoproteins); enhances blood flow; and helps your heart function more efficiently.
Stroke:Being physically active can reduce your risk of stroke by 20%.
Type II Diabetes:Losing weight can increase insulin sensitivity, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure—(all which are important to the health of people with diabetes)
There has been a 62% increase of people with Type II Diabetes since 1990.
Obesity:The combination of reduced calories and daily exercise is the ticket to weight loss.Controlling obesity is critical, as it is a major risk factor for many diseases.
Back Pain:Back pain can be managed or prevented with a fitness program that includes muscle strengthening and flexibility.Having good posture and a strong abdomen is the body’s best defense against back pain.
Osteoporosis:Weight bearing exercises strengthens bone formation and helps prevent osteoporosis or bone loss often seen in women after menopause.Combine a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D with regular weight-bearing exercise for maximum results.
* According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, data fro the Nurses’ Health study showed that women who walked four or more hours per week had 41% fewer hip fractures than those who walked less than an hour a week.
7.Psychological Benefits:Improved self-esteem is one of the top benefits of regular
physical activity.While exercising, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that
can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Exercise can also help you
cope with stress and ward of depression and anxiety.
8.Colorectal Diseases:Helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer by having a diet high in
vegetables and fruits which have been linked with lower risk of colon cancer, and diets
high in processed and/or red meats have been linked with a higher risk.Physical Activity
of moderate or vigorous activity for 45 minutes on 5 or more days of the week may lower
