Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is important for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Regular exercise can improve your physical health, mental health, and quality of life.
Physical Health Benefits
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Weight management: Exercise helps you control your weight by burning calories. Even moderate-intensity exercise can help you lose or maintain weight.
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Heart health: Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. This can help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
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Blood sugar control: Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, which can help lower your blood sugar levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
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Bone health: Exercise helps build and maintain bone density. This can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
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Muscle and joint health: Exercise strengthens your muscles and improves your flexibility. This can help reduce your risk of injuries and pain.
Mental Health Benefits
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Reduces stress: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Improves sleep: Exercise can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
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Boosts energy levels: Exercise can help you feel more energized and less fatigued.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. You should also do muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) on 2 or more days a week.
Tips for Getting Started with Exercise
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Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
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Find an activity that you enjoy. There are many different types of exercise, so find something that you find fun and that you can stick with.
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Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with small goals and gradually increase them as you get fitter.
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Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend or family member can help you stay motivated.
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Make exercise a part of your routine. Schedule time for exercise each day and stick to it.
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Don’t give up. It takes time and effort to see results. Stick with it and you will eventually reach your goals.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help you improve your physical and mental health, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. If you are not currently exercising, talk to your doctor about how to get started.