7 Ways Exercise Helps Your Physical and Mental Health
1.Exercise Boosts the Immune System
Exercise has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
According to a 2017 study where researchers measured the inflammatory marker’s levels before and after exercise, a 5% reduction was observed after exercise.
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The 47 volunteers who took part in the study where involved in a 30 minute moderate work out session of jogging or walking on a treadmill ( depending on their level of fitness).
This result shows that physical activity could boost the immune system by preventing excessive inflammation and therefore protect you against chronic conditions.
2. Exercise Reduces Risk of Cancer
A study has shown a relationship between regular moderate physical activity and reduction in the incidence of breast and colon cancer.
Details of the study revealed that physically active men and women have a 30%–40% decrease in the risk of having colon cancer. While women, in particular, have a 20%–30% reduction in the risk of suffering from breast cancer.
3. Exercise Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Exercise actually boosts your heart rate which is good for your over-all health and wellbeing.
In a study that explored the effects of regular work-out on the health of middle-aged men and women, it was discovered that chances of dying from heart disease are even much lower than earlier thought.
It is now on record that being fit or active offers a greater than 50% reduction in the risk of death from heart-related diseases.
4. Exercise Decreases Chances of Diabetes
Studies have revealed that both aerobic and resistance types of exercise are effective in preventing type 2 diabetes by 6%.
5. Exercise Improves Bone Health
Weight-bearing exercise and resistance exercise, have been shown to improve bone mineral density.
Studies report that those that engage in resistance training have a higher chance of having healthier bones than those that don’t do them.
Also, It has been observed that athletes who participate in low-impact sports (swimming, cycling, horseback riding…)tend to have lower bone mineral density when compared with athletes who are involved in
high-impact sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball…).
Researchers suggest that weight-bearing and impact exercise enables you to avoid bone loss associated with aging.
6. Exercise Reduces Your Chances of Getting into Depression
Research has proven that regular exercise affects the release and uptake of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy.
7. Exercise Improves Your Mental Alertness
Scientists have discovered that you can generate positive energy and improve your mental alertness through physical exercise.