4 Benefits of Exercise That Are More Important Than You Think

In our all-consuming quest for the perfect celebrity-style physique and beach body that we all crave, we often forget that exercise has benefits that go far beyond cosmetic. In fact, exercise is a vital part of healthy living, and even survival in some cases.

Let’s take a look at what exercise in all its forms can do for you, especially under the auspices of a qualified biokineticist.

1. You’ll Probably Live Longer
   If intense gym sessions seem like a death sentence for you, we’ve got some good news. Studies have proven that even moderate exercise for 10 minutes a day can decrease your chances of an early demise by 18%.

Now, moderate exercise is defined as brisk walking, swimming or even mowing the lawn (two birds, one stone, anyone?). However, the more you exercise, the better your chances are. So, if you want to live longer, it’s time to shake a leg.

2. Your Heart Will Thank You
   When you exercise, your cardiovascular rate increases. That means your heart and lungs must work harder. Like any muscle, the more you use your heart, the stronger it becomes. A stronger heart means more blood and oxygen pumping through your body, which means less likelihood of blockages in your arteries and veins.

Combining exercise with a heart-healthy diet is the best way to get maximum bang for your buck when it comes to preserving this vital organ.

A strong, healthy cardiovascular system has a 50% less chance of heart attack, disease or stroke.

3. It’s All in the Mind
   A healthy body does much to increase your mental health too. When you take up regular exercise, you’ll notice that you feel more alert, motivated and at ease. This is because exercise increases the level of feel-good hormones in your body.

Much like euphoria-inducing drugs, exercise increases the amount of dopamine flowing through your brain and activates the reward system. Unlike drugs or alcohol, there are no nasty side-effects, no guilt and no hangover.

In fact, exercise works in the same way as anti-depressants do to even out the neurotransmitters in your brain and combat anxiety and depression. While you shouldn’t trade your prescription medication for a set of running shoes, exercise works well in conjunction with these pills to keep you on an even keel.

The positive benefits of exercise for your brain are cumulative too, which means if you want to feel good for longer, exercise is the way to go.

4. Sweet Dreams
   Exercise helps you to sleep better, not just from the physical exhaustion either. When you feel better about yourself, you’re less inclined to lie awake at night, tossing and turning with anxiety.

Let’s face it, a good night’s sleep goes a long way towards making the world a better place for you and everyone around you. There’s nothing worse than fatigue to put a downer on your day, cloud your judgement and ruin your relationships.

The Risks of Exercise

Naturally, exercise does come with certain risks. These are all associated with overdoing it.  If you are strained or sore after a ‘moderate’ exercise session – you’re doing it wrong.
Making an appointment with a biokineticist is one sure-fire way to make sure you’re doing what’s best for your body and that you’re performing your exercises correctly.

Get in touch for a full professional evaluation with one of our biokineticists in Windhoek to get you on the right foot with regard to gaining the life-changing benefits of exercise.