Benefits to Exercise

There are many benefits to exercise.  To get the greatest benefits from your exercise program, you should exercise regularly, at least three to four times per week, for 30 – 45 minute sessions.  You don’t have to do the same kind of exercise each time.  You can vary the activity to keep it interesting and to work out different parts of your body.  Exercise with a friend to make it more fun.

Benefits of regular exercise include both physical and mental benefits.

Physical benefits

Physical benefits to exercise include lower blood pressure and cholesterol, decreased risk of heart disease and stroke, and decreased risk of diabetes.  People who exercise have a reduce risk of developing colon and breast cancer.  Exercise helps you maintain a healthy body weight, increases you energy level, and helps you sleep better at night.  It strengthens the immune system and even reduces some of the effects of aging.

And these are just a few of the physical benefits to exercise.  Weight bearing exercise also helps prevent the development of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease).  Certain exercises keep joints flexible, helping to prevent the development of arthritis as we age.  One study found that elderly people who practice tai chi are less likely to fall and injure themselves. Exercise improves our circulation, getting more oxygen to our vital organs.

Mental Benefits

There are mental benefits of regular exercise, as well.  Exercise causes your brain to produce endorphins, chemicals that relieve stress and depression and make you feel good.  You’ve probably heard of a “runner’s high.”  That’s caused by endorphins. 

Other exercises, like yoga and tai chi, are soothing and relaxing.  They will help relieve anxiety and tension.  The deep breathing techniques can help you sleep at night.

Exercise can also help improve self-confidence.  It helps you look and feel your best.  It can give your self-esteem a boost.

Exercise Stretches - See why stretching is so important to do before you exercise.  Extensive list of stretching exercise for all parts of the body. 

100 Abdominal Exercises - Listing of the best abdominal exercises, with clear explanations, to strengthen and tone your stomach muscles.  You won't need any special ab exercise equipment for these.

Lower Ab Exercises - Lower abdominal exercises need to be included in every fitness program.  They help to build-up and tone abdominal muscles, and improve spinal stability.  Learn more about the benefits to exercise of abdominal muscles.

Weightlifting Exercises - Guide to weight lifting exercises and workout routines.  Exercises for the chest, back, shoulders, arms, and legs.

Tricep Exercises - Tricep exercise guide with step-by-step instructions.  Learn how to build up your tricep muscles.

Chair Exercises - A chair exercise is ideal for older adults, those with disabilities, or people who sit a lot at work.  Learn about chair exercises.  Step-by-step instructions.

Mini Trampoline Exercises - Learn about mini trampoline workouts.  The benefits of regular exercise using a mini trampoline include improved muscle tone, getting a full-body workout, improving coordination, etc.  Find out how this aerobic exercise can help you achieve your fitness goals.

Bowflex Exercises - Learn about bowflex fitness equipment.  See how a bowflex workout can help you lose weight, build muscles, or both.  Find out why our experts like bowflex home exercise equipment so much. 

Please write to us if you have any questions about the benefits of regular exercise.

More than the benefits to exercise on our Fitmoves home page