Why Exercise Enhances Healthy Living

Posted: September 09, 2019
By: weadmin

Exercise or physical activity and its importance to health have been widely discussed in all parts of the world. This is because human beings were designed to have an active life. Our bodies were created to be mobile and engaged in physical activities. In fact, lack of adequate exercise has proved to have adverse effects on the health of individuals. This has earned exercise a position in the 8 Natural Laws to Healthy Living .

The human body is made up of joints and muscles which serve as the machinery of the body for physical activities. Like every other machine, when not properly maintained and frequently used, the human body begins to malfunction. Physical activities are ways whereby the body is put to active use.

The idea of exercise doesn’t necessarily always have to be restricted to the gym. It could be as simple as walking, swimming or some other physical activity. As long as the body is being put to physical use, the purpose is fulfilled. We’ll take a deeper look at the best forms of exercises in another article. In the meantime, we’ll focus on how exercise promotes healthy living.

4 Ways Exercise Enhances Healthy Living

Weight Control and Fitness

Exercising regularly, combined with a healthy eating lifestyle, helps to get rid of excess cholesterol and fat from the body. This leads to a healthy body weight. Instead of the fat and cholesterol, the body mass is made up of muscles, which are well defined and fit and healthier. This increases the strength of the body, and the body is able to carry out more activities without burning out. This generally increases the productivity of the individual. Obesity is one of the leading causes of various diseases and incorporating exercise into our everyday life can help battle this.

In general, weight loss and exercise helps us look more attractive with toned muscles and improved physical appearance. It also helps with detoxification through perspiration and beautifying the skin.

Simple things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and if possible, substituting short distance cab rides for a walk or riding a bicycle instead of Uber can help to keep us active. Challenge yourself to see what other substitutions you can come up with to increase your physical activities.

Reduces Risk to Diseases

Susceptibility to diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases are reduced when exercise is incorporated into an individual’s lifestyle. Adequate exercise promotes the proper functioning of the body as it promotes regular blood flow to every part of the body. More blood flow means more oxygen needed for metabolism and a healthy running body system.

Improves Mental Health and Productivity

Aerobic Exercises such as running improves the production of hormones such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These hormones are associated with the feeling of happiness, excitement and increased productivity. Elevated level of these hormones play a huge role in the regulation of an individual’s mood. The fact is exercise is a great mood builder and stress buster. Exercise also helps to sharpen our mental powers as it increases oxygen to the brain. Having a little bit of a sour mood? Push yourself and grab those running shoes!

Exercise Improves Sleep Quality

A healthy exercise routine improves the quality of the rest and sleep. It enables the body to maximize the period of relaxation and rest, which by the way, is also one of the natural laws of healthy living. Insomnia creeping in? Maintaining a healthy exercise program may help. You should try it.

The Story

I must admit that maintaining an exercise program, at this point in my life, is my weak point when it comes to practicing the 8 Laws of Healthy Living. As I chase projects, goals and deadlines, many many many times, I neglect to make time for exercise. Yet, if I wish to remain healthy, I need to adjust. Admitting my issue is the first step towards change and getting back on track. To best thing is that writing this series has helped me to refocus and recommit to staying on track.

Final Thoughts

The importance of exercise to both the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual shouldn’t be overlooked. Walking is one of the safest type of exercise. At least 20 – 30 minutes of exercise for 3-5 days per week is a good start towards healthy living. Let’s get active and stay healthy!