The 8 Overlooked Benefits of Physical Activity

Everyone knows that exercise and physical activity are important for the human body. It’s recommended to get 20 minutes of physical activity a day five days a week.

If exercise is going to be a regular part of a person’s life they will need to schedule time for it, and find a reason to do it too. Reasons can be anything from just wanting to be healthy to a need to be in shape for beach season or a marathon.

Aside from reasons, and motivation, it’s important to find a way to make it fun. It’s much easier to do something enjoyable and fun than it is to do something that is disliked and thought of as negative.

Here are 8 overlooked benefits of physical activity.

Lowered Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease

Physical fitness helps to lower the risk of both stroke and heart disease. In fact, according to Natural News regular, moderate, physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke by 20%. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. But, studies show that just four days a week of exercise, enough to break a sweat, will reduce the risk of this deadly attack. It also helps reduce the risk to stop smoking.

Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states that regular physical activity and moderate weight loss can delay, or even prevent, type 2 diabetes in adults. Obesity is one of the leading factors to the onset of this disease.

Regulates Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is also a culprit in the onset of type 2 diabetes, as well as stroke, some cancers, and even arthritis. Regular physical activity, as well as eating a healthy diet, helps to boost the good type of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Fitness also helps decrease the amount of triglycerides, which are unhealthy fats.

Helps Prevent Bone Loss

Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent bone loss and the disease osteoporosis. Not only that, it helps increase the strength of the body’s muscles. Healthy bones and muscle mean better balance, as well as better coordination. Doing yoga  is also a way to work on better balance and increased flexibility.
Lowers the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Disease

Recently many studies have begun to show that regular physical activity can help increase the volume of the human brain. This means that diseases that affect the brain, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may be prevented by getting the right amount of fitness. According to Science Blog, if a person is living an active lifestyle they are helping  preserve the gray matter in their brain. Whether it’s ballroom dancing or playing sports, regular activity will boost your brain function.
Lowers Breast Cancer Risk

Not only does regular physical fitness fight chronic diseases, but it also can help lower the risk of some cancers. One study, according to Natural News, showed a 30% lowered risk of breast cancer in women ages 20 to 98, with just 10 to 19 hours of exercise a week. This same study actually showed that a higher body weight lead to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Lifts Mood

Physical fitness releases endorphins in the brain. This means that even taking a quick run can boost a person’s mood. Regular activity can work to reduce both depression and anxiety.

Improves Lung Function and Heart Function

Physical activity strengthens the lungs and the heart.

 

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