Exercise - it Does a Body (and So Much More) Good!

Sure, you’ve heard that exercise is great for reducing your risk for various diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, etc.), helps you control your weight, boosts your energy, strengthens your muscles and bones, and increases your chances of living longer….but exercise also does so much more…

Improves Sleep

Having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep? Regular exercise will help you fall asleep faster and deeper. Be careful not to exercise too close to bedtime or you may be too energized to fall asleep. Some people report struggling with sleep the first few days after starting a new exercise program due to increased energy levels, but stick with it and you’ll find sleep will come easily.

Improves Your Sex Life

Regular exercise not only gives you more energy, but also makes you feel and look better which can positively affect your sex life. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women and, for men, less problems with erectile dysfunction.

Improves Your Mood

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report: “Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression… Research has shown that doing aerobic or a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities 3 to 5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes can give you these mental health benefits.”

May Help Prevent or Manage Addictions (Food, Drugs, or others)

According to the National Institutes of Health, animal research shows that exercise can help promote the formation of blood vessels in the brain, makes connections between cells, enhances repair of nerve tissue, and creates new neurons in memory areas of the brain. Exercise also improves tolerance of stress—which is very important considering the links between stress and food and/or drug abuse. More research is demonstrating that exercise may boost brain volume and replenish dopamine receptors (responsible for pleasure), thereby helping reduce the need to search out more food, drugs, etc.

Exercises

Just about everyone can do something. But consult your doctor before taking on a vigorous exercise program.

Start with just a couple of days a week and work your way up to most days of the week. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of activity a week. You can even break it down to 10 minute increments. For example – a 10 minute walk with the dog in the morning before work. Then another 10 minutes around the building during your break at work. And then finish up with another 10 minute walk with the dog after work.

Here are some other easy ways to get in activity:

• Jump rope during commercials
• Lift a dumb bells when on the phone at work
• Take a walk for half of your lunch break
• Use a resistance band while watching a movie or your favorite tv show
• Park far away at work so that you get double the workout
• Volunteer to walk/jog a dog at the local shelter
• Form a wellness group at work to help keep motivation high

Get exercising ! To get the most benefit, stay consistent. Make it a priority!

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