We all know that exercise is important and that it is good for us but do you know what it can really do for you? According to the CDC (center for disease control and prevention), here are some of the benefits of regular physical activity.
1. Weight control: Your weight is not just about the calories you consume. It needs to be a balance of the what you are eating and how you are burning those calories. In order to maintain the weight you are at, the calories you eat and the calories you burn need to be equal. In order to lose weight, you need to increase the caloric burn.
2. Heart Health: Heart disease and stroke are two of the largest causes of death in the United States. Studies have shown that performing 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week can lower your risk for these conditions.
3. Type 2 Diabetes: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight or help reach your goals of a healthy weight which will put you at a lower risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
4. Cancer: Studies show that people who are physically active on a regular basis have a lower likelihood of developing breast and colon cancer.
5. Bones and Muscles: Regular moderate-intensity activity can slow the loss of bone density as we age. This same activity helps maintain muscle mass and will even help manage the symptoms of arthritis.
6. Improve your mental health: Physical activity helps release the feel good hormones in our bodies, can help you sleep better and can make your judgement making skills even better.
7: Prevent falls: By maintaining your strength and balance your are less likely to suffer from a fall. If you do have a fall, you are less likely to have a severe injury if you are maintaining your strength and endurance.
8. Live Longer: By reducing your risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and bone fractures, you are setting yourself up to live a longer, healthier life.
