Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It has been shown to improve your physical and mental health, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and help you live longer.
Physical Benefits of Exercise
1. Weight loss or maintenance.
Exercise helps you burn calories, which can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
2. Improved cardiovascular health.
Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and lungs, which can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
3. Stronger bones and muscles.
Exercise helps to build strong bones and muscles, which can help you prevent injuries and improve your balance and coordination.
4. Reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Exercise helps to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.
5. Improved mental health.
Exercise can help to improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your self-esteem.
6. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Exercise helps to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
7. Improved sleep.
Exercise can help you sleep better at night.
Increased energy levels.
Exercise can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. Improved cognitive function. Exercise can help to improve your memory, concentration, and decision-making skills.
Reduced risk of dementia.
Exercise can help to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
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 can also do a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
In addition to aerobic activity, the CDC also recommends that adults do muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) on two or more days a week.
What Kind of Exercise Should You Do?
There are many different types of exercise that you can do, so find something that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. Some popular types of exercise include walking, running, swimming, biking, dancing, yoga, and strength training.
If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time and intensity of your workouts. And if you have any health concerns, schedule a consultation with us.
The Benefits of Exercise Are Real
The benefits of exercise are real and they can improve your life in many ways. So if you’re not exercising regularly, start today! You’ll be glad you did.
Here are some additional tips for getting started with exercise:
Set realistic goals.
Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with a few short workouts each week and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as you get fitter. Find an exercise buddy. Working out with a friend can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Make exercise fun.
Choose activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call on how to optimize your diet with fitness and functional medicine.
Exercise is one piece of a winning formula.
Functional medicine can help you identify and address any underlying conditions that may be preventing you from exercising or committing to a specific routine. For example, if you have chronic pain, functional medicine can help you find the underlying cause of the pain and address it.
On a different note, your energy levels may impact the efficacy of your workouts as well. Dr. Rudack has helped hundreds of patients understand the root cause of underlying conditions, which is a core principle of functional medicine. Schedule your consultation today!
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