When we think of exercise we think of weight loss. While exercise is a big part of weight loss, weight loss is not the biggest benefit of exercise. More and more research on the effects of exercise on the mind, body and soul is showing significant benefits.
Benefits on the Mind
Recent studies are showing that exercise might keep Alzheimer’s at bay. Arthur Kramer, a neuroscientist from the University of Illinois, said it is being found in an increasing amount of studies that regular exercise benefits tend to be 20-30% reduction in being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. "There are improvements in the chemistry of the brain in terms of the molecules that protect the brain, increases in the number of connections between neurons, which allows us to encode new learning and memory, and even the birth of new neurons in one region of the brain that supports memory," he said.
Benefits on the Body
We have all heard of the benefits of exercise on our vital organs…How about the benefits on our joints? Exercise improves bone, joint and muscular strength and may also reduce the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.
When you include strength training in your exercise routine you are helping your body retain muscle mass. When performing strength-training exercises, you are causing tiny tears in your muscle fibers. This doesn’t sound appealing until you know that then when you rest your muscles repair themselves this is the process that strengthens your muscles. As we get older we loose muscle mass. If you don’t exercise to replace the muscle mass lost your body-fat percentage will increase which then goes back to the risks of cardio vascular disease.
Our joints are where two bones come together. Ligaments help hold the joints together and muscles contract to provide movement. Exercise is important in maintaining mobility in these joints. Our movable joints contain synovial fluid, which keeps them strong, mobile and healthy. Leading a sedentary lifestyle affects our body’s natural ability to regulate this fluid. By moving, strengthening supporting muscles and using these joints in full range motion on a regular basis you will help maintain or improve joint mobility.
Benefits on the Soul
It has been proven that exercise improves mood, helps fight depression, and reduces stress. Exercise does this because when you exercise your body increases the amount of endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine that your brain creates. These chemicals all work together to make you feel good. You also feel a sense of accomplishment after you exercise which allows your muscles to relax deeper releasing tension.
Now we all know that exercise packs great benefits. Watch for helpful hints in making exercise a part of your day.
