The CDC recommends that adults get about 20 minutes of physical activity each day. Of course, if you want to lose weight and improve stamina, you’ll need to double that.
Finding the time for a healthy lifestyle might seem like a chore, but the benefits of exercise are more than worth it. The following guide will cover some of the most important benefits of an active lifestyle.
Read on to learn why ditching your sedentary lifestyle is an excellent choice for both your body and mind.
Weight Loss
Living an active lifestyle can help prevent gaining too much weight or help you lose weight. Regular exercise burns calories and the more intense the workout, the more calories you burn.
Of course, you don’t need a gym membership and large blocks of time to exercise each day. Staying active for any amount of time at any intensity is better than not doing anything at all.
You can find several ways to exercise throughout your regular day if you’re strapped for time. For example, you can take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Park at the back of the lot at work or when you go shopping to add some steps.
You could even wear a weighted vest or anklets while you do chores around the house to burn extra calories. If it’s a nice day, simply take a walk around your neighborhood or nearby trails. Whatever you do, stay consistent to achieve your ideal weight.
Fight Health Conditions and Diseases
Living an active lifestyle is especially important for those concerned about their heart health and lowering high blood pressure. If you aren’t concerned, visit heartfailurematters.org and learn why you should be.
Staying active increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol no matter how much you currently way. Remember that lipoprotein is the “good” kind of cholesterol because it reduces harmful triglycerides.
Lowering triglycerides helps your blood flow smoothly and unobstructed. When your blood flows properly, it helps limit your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Frequent activity helps stop or control numerous health issues such as strokes, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure. It also fights against type 2 diabetes, different cancers, and arthritis.
Staying active even helps reduce anxiety and depression to greatly improve everyday life. It can also help enhance cognitive function and helps decrease the chance of dying from all the mentioned conditions.
Mood Improvement
Both an intense workout at the gym and a quick walk outside can relieve stress after a difficult day. If you need something to perk you up, physical activity stimulates several chemicals in the brain to make you feel happier, more comfortable, and less anxious.
Regular exercise might also make you feel more confident about how you look and who you are. Getting in shape helps build self-esteem and accomplish more goals. Use physical activity to boost your mood and don’t let opportunities pass you by.
Enhanced Energy Levels
If you get out of breath when you go shopping for groceries or when doing chores at home, you probably need more activity. Consistent exercise can help enhance the strength of your muscles and grow your endurance.
When you exercise, it sends nutrients and oxygen to your tissues and allows your cardiovascular system to function more effectively. When you improve the health of your heart and lungs, you’ll have more energy to complete chores and other tasks each day.
Activity Enables Better Sleep
If you find it difficult to fall asleep each night, routine physical activity can help you get the rest you need. You’ll not only get better quality sleep, but you’ll also fall into deeper periods of sleep.
However, it’s important that you don’t exercise right before you try to go to bed. As mentioned earlier, exercise boosts your energy levels, so consider planning your workouts early to jumpstart your day.
Improved Sexual Functions
If you feel too tired or out of shape to have sex, it’s definitely time to add more physical activity to your lifestyle. Consistent exercise gives you more energy and builds confidence in how you look, which can offer a major enhancement to your sex life.
But the sexual benefits of an active lifestyle don’t stop there. Regular exercise might make some women feel more aroused. For men, regular exercise helps avoid issues with erectile dysfunction. Men who don’t exercise might experience ED and a lack of confidence.
Social Benefits
Staying physically active doesn’t have to feel unpleasant or feel like an obligation. Use it as an opportunity to chill out, enjoy nature, or merely engage in other hobbies that make you feel good.
For example, physical activity can help you spend time and engage with family or friends in a healthy social setting. You could take dance lessons, venture out onto a new hiking trail, or join a recreational sports team.
You might discover new activities you enjoy and make new friends along the way. If you’ve moved to a new location, use exercise as a way to meet new people. Join a gym, take walks through your community, or do anything else you like that involves others.
Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
Now that you know the benefits of an active lifestyle, it’s time to get started. Remember that consistency is key, so focus on maintaining your new lifestyle rather than increasing its intensity.
You can check out our blog’s health section under the lifestyle tab for more helpful tips to stay active!
