“Exercise is medicine. Literally. Just like a pill, it reliably changes brain function by altering the activity of key brain chemicals and hormones.” ~ Stephen S. Hardy
The Magic Pill?
We’ve all heard that exercise is good for us, but beyond enjoyment of sporting activities and keeping slim, many fail to recognize the countless, far reaching physiological effects and ensuing benefits of exercise.
When it comes to picking the best form of exercise for you, a big factor to consider, is the type of exercise you enjoy. Not only has it been demonstrated that forms of exercise we enjoy lead to greater improvements in mood and increases in dopamine, but we’re much more likely to stay consistent in our attempts when we enjoy that particular form of exercise.
Starting with figuring out the forms of exercise you enjoy, whether it’s runs in the morning, or regular pickleball sessions at your local court, and working around those keystone habits is a great place to start.
Top Benefits of exercise
Along with a few other foundations of health like adequate sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition, it really can’t be overstated how far reaching the benefits of exercise are.
Below are a few of the top, and some often overlooked reasons to stay active on a regular basis:
1. Brain Health
An often overlooked benefit of exercise is in improving brain function. Along with research in improvements in focus with ADHD and non-ADHD students after 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, exercise alone can go a long way in prevention of age-related cognitive decline,
It can also improve neuroplasticity, memory, cognitive function and contribute to brain health overall.
2. Social Benefits
Regular exercise has been shown to improve self-esteem, and contribute to overall boosts in mood and confidence, which can lead to improvements in social functioning.
Team sports or exercise in groups like during classes or one-on-one sports, can provide a context for social interaction that offers further benefits as a form of social cohesion.
Positive social interactions have been shown to have a tremendous effect on overall health, so group exercise activities may be covering multiple foundations for health simultaneously.
3. Improvements in Energy Levels
Among the top complaints in primary care doctors offices, fatigue typically makes it to number one.
Unless the fatigue is related to another underlying condition, exercise can typically provide boosts in energy, when engaged in regularly.
Important to consider is that It’s often normal, when one is beginning a new form of exercise or exercise protocol, to experience some degree of fatigue afterwards.
Consistency in exercise however should lead to improved levels of energy overall and may take a few days to weeks for the adjustment to occur.
4. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Regular exercise, such as aerobic activities like running, swimming, or cycling, strengthens the heart and enhances the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. It can lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
5. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions like Type II Diabetes, certain types of cancer, and metabolic syndrome.
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, regulates blood sugar levels, and positively impacts various physiological processes.
6. Weight Management:
Engaging in physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Combined with a balanced diet, exercise can aid in weight loss or weight maintenance.
7. Improved Mental Health
Physical activity is known to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. It also reduces stress, improves sleep, and enhances overall cognitive function.
Next Steps to Improve Your Movement Regime
When it comes to exercise, picking a form we enjoy, and having a ‘why’ for why we choose to engage in it typically helps us stay consistent.
Whether it’s for weight management or improved mood with your family and coworkers, make sure you have a reason why you’re doing it, that you can enjoy (at least some of) it, and then watch how the benefits slowly compound in different areas of your life
You have what it takes inside you to make a definite choice that will change the future trajectory of your health.
Our team at Tiger Medical has the experience, clinical skills, and coaching acumen to help you get your health and energy back.
To talk to one of our professionals, click here to schedule your call!
For further reading, view the following articles on our learning center:
8min to read
