Benefits of Regular Exercise - Essay Example

? Benefits of Exercise Benefits of Regular Exercise Being healthy is a need that needs satisfaction. Adopting a healthy lifestyle ensures satisfaction of this need. Regular exercise and balanced diet constitute a healthy lifestyle. Research indicates that every individual needs daily physical activity to keep all body functions effective. There are different forms of exercise and an individual can choose the most suitable. It is of great importance to make exercise regular, for it to be effective in positively contributing to our health. The results of regular exercise are overwhelming because individuals who exercise have a good body-mind and emotional balance. The hormones released during exercise bring about this balance. Exercise is a leading strategy in the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Exercise helps prevent heart diseases since it strengthens the heart muscles. Strong heart muscles pump blood efficiently to all body parts and ensure there is adequate oxygen supply. Heart diseases result from failure of the heart muscle to function effectively. In other cases, complications result from blocking of veins and arteries. An individual must have adequate and regular exercise to keep the heart healthy and strong. Exercise helps an individual keep his or her weight in control. Maintaining healthy weight is a preventive measure for staying safe from cardiovascular diseases (Bhanot, 2003). Exercise helps keep the blood pressure within normal ranges preventing fatal blood pressures. Due to exercise, the body increasingly produces good cholesterol. In addition, exercise is an important aspect in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Since regular exercise can keep weight in control, this reduces the amount of fat in an individual’s body (Aldana, 2005). Insulin resistance results from fat cells in the body and is the key cause of type 2 diabetes. The presence of too much fat in overweight people prevents effective uptake and storage of glucose. Exercise is vital in strengthening muscles to take up glucose more effectively. Through exercise, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to stroke. In addition, exercise keeps the immune system active. A more active immune system prevents tumor formation, reducing cases of cancer. According to Dishman and Buckworth (2002), exercise provides a good and natural remedy to depression and anxiety. With increasing pressures from life, depression is a common disorder in society today. During exercise, metabolic processes in the body result to the production of endorphins. Other consequent metabolic processes break down these substances. The result of the coupled metabolic processes affects an individual’s mood directly. These substances play an essential role in relieving depression and anxiety. Exercise coupled with concentration on the inner being of an individual improves the mental conditions greatly. Meditation is an essential aspect of exercise during depression. It results to a new focus and appreciation of oneself. After exercise, one feels a lot better about himself or herself. This eventually leads to overcoming depression. In serious mental disorders, exercise may form an important complement to medication. The brain displays increased activity during and after exercise. Scientific studies reveal that depressed people who took exercise as a remedy showed similar results to those taking antidepressants. However, exercise is preferred because it gives the brain an opportunity to respond naturally. The endorphins released undergo metabolism in the body to produce a boost in mood. People who engage in yoga sessions that combine exercise and meditation are in more control of their inner being. Individuals suffering from depression and anxiety should seek the advice of a psychiatrist. Currently, psychiatry in cooperates exercise in its therapy programs. For the brain and body to function effectively, one needs a good sleep. Sleep gives the body and mind time to rejuvenate after a day’s hard work. The digestive system relaxes during sleep and processes of new cell generation are more active (Schaefer, 2009). Regular exercise serves to ensure that an individual gets good sleep. During bedtime, the body needs relatively low temperatures. Therefore, afternoons and evenings are the best times for exercises intended to boost sleep. Scientists reveal that cardiovascular exercises are the best in promoting sleep. Getting good physical activity for half an hour each day of the week greatly improves an individual’s sleep conditions. Insomnia patients benefit from exercise as it stabilizes their condition. Exercise reduces depression and anxiety, which are the main conditions affecting sleep. Overcoming depression and any form of anxiety are the key strategies to enjoying a good sleep. This emphasizes the importance of exercise in the wellbeing of an individual. A good sleep ensures that an individual has energy to wake up to a new day’s activities. Lack of proper sleep interferes with normal body functioning. Individuals should consult with their doctors on an effective exercise program. Sleep gives the nervous system an opportunity to reset its functions. The nervous system coordinates all body functions by sending messages to the required body parts to give rise to response. Exercise leads to proper sleep, giving the nervous system time to rejuvenate. Exercise lengthens one’s life, and makes that person a lot happier. In addition, they have increased concentration in work. With the adoption of an urban lifestyle, obesity is a rampant condition. Obesity makes an individual susceptible to a great variety of diseases (Aldana, 2005). Obese people should take up a combination of exercise programs to cut down weight. Maintaining the right weight in proportion to height is very important. One needs to regularly burn the extra calories obtained from diet. Exercise also helps individuals build a high self-esteem. People with this trait are generally more effective in taking up any responsibility in society. Exercise gives an individual the body strength and mental fitness to a more productive life. Exercise energizes an individual, giving him or her opportunity to live a more fulfilling life. Exercise coordinates the body and the mind. Neurological substances produced during exercise are an amazing boost to this balance. Regular exercise activates the brain, and increases the ease of learning. People who exercise often are mentally aware and respond faster to learning. It is evident that exercise has many benefits to the wellbeing of an individual (Chalk, 2005). Epidemiology studies indicate that people who exercise regularly have a decreased risk of conducting diseases. Their immune systems are active and can fight back easily. With exercise, an individual can reduce the susceptibility to heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and cancer. Exercise relieves stress, depression, and anxiety and enables an individual to connect with the world more efficiently. Exercise promotes healthy sleep giving an individual fresh energy each morning. Exercise coupled with meditation contributes to a good body-mind connection. It is essential for individuals to adopt a routine of regular exercise programs that they enjoy for maximum benefit. The bones and muscles need strengthening for them to function effectively. Neurological substances produced during exercise boost one’s mood immensely. Exercise lengthens life and improves its quality. It keeps one strong, healthy, and happy (Cook and Cook, 2010). References Aldana, S. (2005). The culprit and the cure: why lifestyle is the culprit of America's poor health and how transforming that lifestyle can be the cure. Mapleton: Maple Mountain Press. Bhanot, R. (2003). Weight Control: The Medical Reality. Indiana: iUniverse. Chalk, J. (2005). The Benefits Of Exercise On The Human Body. London: Lighting Source. Cook, D. and Cook, M. (2010). Choose Life: Optimizing Your Health and Functioning Toward 100 Years and Beyond. Indiana: Authorhouse. Dishman, K. and Buckworth, J. (2002). Exercise psychology. Illinois: Human Kinetics. Schaefer, A. (2009). Exercise. Chicago: Heinemann Lib. Read More