It’s no secret that regular exercise is vital to getting and maintaining overall good health and wellness. Unfortunately, in our sedentary culture, we’re spending much more time at our desks, hunched over electronic devices, or in our cars.
May is the perfect time to make a new commitment to exercise. It’s National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Before the busyness of summer sets in next month, establish some healthy routines now and make daily exercise a habit.
Take advantage of the late spring temperatures and spend some time outdoors. In Middle Tennessee, the weather is perfect for lacing up the sneakers to join a friend for a tennis match, take out the stroller for a walk at the park, or enjoy a bike ride with the family.
Being physically fit contributes to better overall health, which directly affects breast health and reduces your risk of developing breast cancer. The list below will remind you of the many benefits of regular exercise:
1. Exercise controls weight
When you’re burning calories, your body will respond accordingly. Exercise helps you lose excess weight and maintain a proper weight.
2. Exercise helps fight disease
Moving your body helps lower your risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, depression, and arthritis.
3. Exercise improves your mood and boosts your energy
Feeling sluggish and sad? Get moving to bring oxygen and nutrients to your cells and stimulate mood-related chemicals in the brain. Exercise can be a natural anti-depressant and helps relieve stress and anxiety.
4. Exercise makes for a better night’s sleep
Regular physical activity, including gentle stretching, can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and feel more rested when you’re awake. Exercise may also help you lose weight, which can contribute to sleep apnea that may cause poor sleep.
5. Exercise improves your sex life
When we’re not exercising, quality of life can be negatively affected in all areas, including our sex life. Regular exercise, though, can help both women and men enjoy increased arousal and stamina. You’ll also inevitably get a psychological boost when you’re more energized about your appearance after staying with a long-term exercise routine.
For many people, exercise routines are hard to follow. Use this list to remind yourself of the multiple benefits of staying physically active. When you stick with regular exercise over the long-haul, you’ll enjoy good health and wellness for a lifetime.
