After a good workout, we feel great, regardless of whether it was a mild, moderate, or intense exercise session, we experience pleasant feelings and our mood improves. In a 2011 experiment in England, an app was used where participants recorded when they felt happiest or most depressed. They collected more than 3 million responses over a year, and exercise came in second place.
2. Improves Mental Health
One of the greatest and most recurring benefits of regular exercise besides improving mood is that it reduces stress. Walking outdoors, swimming, dancing, yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and jogging all relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and improve quality of life.
3. Counteracts Insomnia
Exercise can help us sleep better. By strengthening our circadian rhythm, exercise can contribute to feeling more alert during the day and sleeping better at night. It also promotes better sleep quality. However, it may be important to exercise during the day and not too late in the evening, as evening workouts can have the opposite effect on sleep for some people.
4. Promotes Heart Health
A meta-review of numerous studies and experiments conducted by researchers in 2013 showed that there were no demonstrable differences between those who exercised and those who received medication to prevent heart disease and diabetes. The review included 305 studies with more than 339,000 participants. For patients who had already suffered a stroke, physical activity was actually more effective than medication.
5. Increases Lifespan
Diet and a sedentary lifestyle are strong contributing factors to the steady physical deterioration often associated with aging. But physical fitness and strength reduce the risk of age-related diseases. For older adults, exercises like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or yoga can be optimal routines if you're looking for low-impact options. Or why not get a rebounder that strengthens the cardiovascular system, activates the lymphatic system and all muscles, as well as each cell's metabolism without putting strain on the body.
6. Supports Balance During Menopause
Hormonal changes, mood swings, or hot flashes can be difficult during menopause. Physical exercise has been shown to improve the physical and psychological changes associated with menopause.
7. Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
Research has shown that pregnant women who participate in mild to moderate exercise have better cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, are less likely to experience urinary incontinence, have fewer symptoms of low mood, and have fewer cases of gestational diabetes.
8. Increases Self-Confidence
Exercise can help us feel better about ourselves. One benefit of exercise is that people generally develop a better self-image and become more satisfied with how they naturally look. Another benefit can be learning to set goals in training, following them, and achieving those goals. This creates self-confidence and a strong sense of satisfaction. Try it and see how it feels.
9. Perform Better at Work
A study showed that employees who exercised before work or during lunch breaks reported feeling less stress and were happier and more productive. If you don't have time to exercise during your lunch break, a quick walk in daylight can make an enormous difference for both your wellbeing and productivity.
