1. Increased Flexibility and Motion
The human body was made to move. Bodily nourishment is supplied by the nutrients we eat and our circulating blood.Muscle contraction, movement, aids in the circulation that delivers that nourishment to our tissues, muscle, bone, organ, etc. Inactivity leads to tightness, imbalances,and degenerative changes. Flexibility is tied to our vitality and zeal for life. We have all heard the phrase:"If you don't use it, you'll lose it!". Very true.
2. Increased Energy and Stamina
The motion mentioned in #1 brings more nutrition and life force to all of our cells. This increase in energy allows us to do more in all areas of our lives. Even when we are tired, performing some moderate level of activity will result in an immediate increase in our energy levels. Over time, these increases in energy will lead to more stamina, which in turn increases our ability to produce more results in many areas of our lives.
3. Balance
Exercise can be very different. Some focus only on physical movement,while others include physical, mental and even spiritual components. Examples of exercises that include all the elements are Yoga, and Ti Chi. Exercise increases the awareness of our own bodies. This ability to know or "feel" our own bodies is called "proprioception" by the health professional. The term is defined as " the awareness of posture, movementand changes in equilibrium(balance) and the knowledge of position, weight, and resistance of objects in relation to the body." Improving our balance allows our bodies to function better and helps to prevent acute injuries and long term overuse injuries.
4. Improved Appetite
Food is fuel. As we become more fit, we become more aware of the effects that different foods have on our bodies and our fitness. We experience an increase in our metabolic rate which helps us burn our food/fuel more efficiently. We have, therefore,fewer cravings for low quality foods and less fluctuation in blood sugar levels.(Diabetics, are you reading this?) In general with activity/exercise we become more health conscious and have a desire to eat better quality food.
5. Weight Maintenance or Weight Loss
A combination of increased metabolic rate from our exercise, and our body's desire to eat better quality food, enable us to directly affect our weight and appearance. If we are at our natural weight point, we will maintain our weight while seeing a shift to more lean mass with consistent exercise. These qualities, over time, enhance muscle tone and definition. Muscle weighs more than fat. Pay attention to your body composition as opposed to the value you see on the scale.
6. Health Benefits
Exercise has definite cardiovascular benefits. The heart is the body's pump to circulate our blood. A stronger heart beat and muscular contraction around the arteries and veins leads to improved circulation - this can help control blood pressure. Our bones are the framework for our physical selves. Resistance training and weight-bearing exercise will improve the intake of minerals to the bones. Research shows that bone density can be maintained or improved with exxercise.
7. Increased Sense Of Well Being
Endorphins are released during and after exercise. This is our body's "feel good" chemistry. Endorphins are morphine like substances secreted in the pituitary gland to control pain and pleasure. Some people refer to the "runner's high", which is the feeling thaat is the result of endorphin release. These endorphins increase your overall feeling of harmony and inner peace. This enables us to do more in life and feel better about ourselves.
8. Fitness Is Fun!
There is a definite social and fun component to exercise. We can meet new people, find a facility to work out in that has like minded people, or buddy up with someone to keep us committed. Exercise also enhances our energy and vitality. This can lead to more joy, positive outlook and enjoyment of life. We often become more childlike again with some forms of exercise and movement. Find and do things that you enjoy, that make you more alive.
9. Stress Reduction
Endorphins, which increase your sense of well being, also reduce your anxiety and stress levels. Exercise is a physical outlet for our built up tensions, and allows us to become more calm and relaxed. Unfortunately, exercise is the last thing on someone's mind when they are under pressure or leading chaotic lives. Yet by making the time to inckude some exercise into your daily activities you will be better able to cope with the physical, mental and emotional stressors you have to deal with.
10. Longevity
Now here is the topper. Exercise can help slow the aging process. It promotes a more efficient functioning of many systems. The turnover of body tissues - the build-up and destruction of cells and tissues - become more balanced. We reach an equilibrium. We can stay active longer, have more independance, and retain our dignity into our later years. The quality of life is improved.
More to come!