Why is physical exercise vital for a healthy brain and body?
Becoming physically fit through exercise is one of the most common pieces of advice offered by medics across the planet. There are many benefits of exercising when done correctly but on the other hand, it can be very easy to injure yourself so make sure you start slow.
Some of the most common benefits include improved blood flow, general body fitness, weight loss, and stress relief.
Physical exercise has been proven to have the potential of these following effects.
- Boost Memory
Studies conducted on the hippocampus among children, adults, and the elderly showed that the brain structure grew after aerobic exercise.
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that holds the memory, and therefore crucial for learning abilities.
- Improve Concentration
Exercise improves the ability to focus on one task, ignore distractions, and also hold information.
Aerobic exercises improve retention of information among students, and are therefore crucial for children, adults, and the elderly as well.
- Improve Mental Health
Physical exercise is a great mood enhancer. The feeling of elation experienced after exercise is real and should be used as an alternative stress reliever.
A 2010 study conducted for eight weeks showed a significant decrease in the ‘amygdala’ after yoga and meditation. The ‘amygdala’ is the part of the brain that is implicated in processing stress, fear, and anxiety.
- Slow Cognitive Decline
Physical exercise delays the onset of mental wear and tear, and dementia, especially among the elderly. It pays to exercise early in life to avoid mental illnesses that come with old age.
- Physical Fitness and Weight Loss
Studies has shown that an active exercise training program was ideal for reducing weight and improving physical fitness among obese children. The effects were possible even without a drastic change in dietary composition.
- Protection of the Body Against Age-Related Decline
A study published in the Journal of Aging Research suggests that physical activity maintained throughout life is accompanied by a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and coronary heart diseases associated with chronological aging.
- Improved Heart and Lung Health
When done on a regular basis, physical activity, both moderate and intense, lowers the risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscles and their ability to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The lungs automatically pick up the pace to keep up with the exercise and, therefore, become stronger.
- Increases Lean Mass and Strength
High-frequency training and low-frequency training both contribute to improvements in lean mass and strength in men and women. Strength training also boosts metabolism, increases bone density, reduces the risk of injury, and even rebuilds lost muscle.
The buildup of muscle is necessary for preventing a resting metabolic rate that causes obesity. High-frequency training, and low-frequency training, both contribute to improvements in lean mass and strength in both men and women.
- Improved Cholesterol Levels
Regular physical activity and exercise are effective in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and thus prevent the onset of coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Doctors recommend aerobic training, or resistance training to ensure that healthy cholesterol levels are achieved.
- Prevention and Management of Diabetes
Regular exercise can help delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by 60%. Daily physical activity, aerobic exercise, or resistance training prevents sugar building up in the blood.
Insulin sensitivity increases and the body can take up glucose during and after activity. Any form of physical activity that helps the body burn calories, e.g. walking, cleaning, running is beneficial and should be included in daily routine.
So in conclusion, daily physical activity and a variety of exercises have significant improvements on the brain and the body among children, adults, and the elderly. Therefore it is important to include regular exercise in our daily routines to maintain a healthy body and also to prevent lifestyle diseases.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle.