The Benefits of Exercise

Most people’s resolution is to get fit. Many tend to burst out the gate with high ambitions only to fall short within a week or two. Granted nothing good ever came easy! Here is a few reminders of why you should carry on. Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than oldfashioned exercise.

Exercise improves your mood.

Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You’ll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your selfesteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity might be the ticket. Regular physical activity can help you prevent - or manage - high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or

good,” cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries. And there’s more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

Exercise helps you manage your weight.

Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities. This one’s a nobrainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn - and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don’t even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.

Exercise boosts your energy level.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don’t throw in the towel. Regular physical activity can leave you breathing easier. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system - the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels - work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

Exercise promotes better sleep.

Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day. A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. Physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

Anthony Fenech is the owner of Titan Training. He is a Can Fit certified personal trainer. He manages Bigtyme Fitness and is a nutritional consultant with Popeye’s Supplements Orangeville. He can be reached at 519 217-6462 or check out www.titantraininggear.com.