Top 10 Benefits of Exercise

We all know exercise is good for us, but do you really know why? Take a minute to refresh yourself on the facts. The more you know, the more you have to motivate yourself to be the best you can be every day. Here are Health Fitness Revolution’s top 10 benefits of exercising, for your benefit!

• Mood Booster

Endorphins are a chemical naturally produced by the body, also known as “feel good” chemicals, endorphins boost your mood and exercise increases the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins also lower the risk of depression by 30%.

• Weight Loss

Of course exercise has weight loss effects. Cardio, HIIT weight training, and walking are all types of exercises that can constitute weight loss. Weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit and you can increase the calories you burn from running or walking just a mile a day.

• Brain Health and Memory

Regular exercise can improve cognitive functions. Studies have shown that parts of the brain that controls thinking and memory have greater volume in those that exercise than those who don’t. In order to improve your mental capacity try an intense exercise for 120 minutes a week. Exercise can also lower the risk of dementia by 30%!

• Reduce Risk of Chronic Disease

It is proven that lack of exercise is a major reason for chronic disease. Cardiac arrest and other heart diseases can easily be avoided if the heart is strengthened through exercise. Here are the stats associated with exercise:

• up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
• up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer

• Improve Quality of Life

Exercising can improve your quality of life by lowering the risk of diseases and sicknesses. Exercise makes your heart, lungs and various other organs stronger, therefore helping you live longer. Those who exercise have a 30% lower risk of early death.

• Skin Health

The key to proper skin health is an adequate flow of blood containing nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. Exercise, as you may know, encourages blood flow throughout your body, including the skin (hence the appearance of red, particularly in the face after vigorous exercise). Exercise also has the ability to make one appear younger.

• Increase Energy Levels

What is exercise without energy? It might seem counterintuitive that exercise increases energy and fights fatigue, but it truly does. The increased blood flow has the ability to deliver energy boosting vitamins and minerals to all parts of the body.

• Good for Muscle and Bone Health

Exercise now to prepare for your future! As you age your bones and muscle go through changes that may cause them to be weaker than in your youth. Regular exercise increases bone density and strengthens your muscles. Those who exercise regularly have an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis, a 68% lower risk of hip fracture and a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults).

• Improve Sleep Quality

There is solid evidence that exercise can improve sleep quality. Endorphins, yes this chemical again. Endorphins regulate your sleep schedule, it also helps you stay alert, as stated earlier exercise encourages a release of endorphins throughout the body.

• Reduce Pain

Yes, Exercising in moderation can relieve and reduce pain. Crazy right? Exercise is important, especially for those who suffer from joint pain and diseases like arthritis. Inactivity is also a cause of pain, therefore remaining physically active can reduces and relieves pain.

The Arena District Athletic Club is more than just a gym, it’s a premier fitness facility located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus. We provide convenience and quality, featuring top-of-the-line equipment, top-notch personal trainers, spa-like locker rooms and a wide variety of free group fitness classes daily including Cardio, Spinning, Barre Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp and more. We offer free 2-hour parking and convenient contract-free memberships, to fit your healthy lifestyle needs. Don’t just join, belong.