The benefits of keeping active
The benefits of keeping active
The overwhelming consensus is that we should all be physically active and that exercise is essential if you want to live a long and healthy life. Want to know how good being active can be for your health then read on…
Keeping you physically healthy
It has been medically proven that people who perform physical activity regularly are significantly less likely to develop a number of serious health conditions (illustrated below) including heart disease, dementia and certain types of cancer.
Other physical health benefits include:
Improved sleep and increased energy
Improved ability to perform daily activities
Helps you to manage your weight
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Improved flexibility, strength and stamina
Improved balance and a reduced risk of falls
Improved immune system
Keeping your mind healthy
Being active is great for your physical fitness, but we should all monitor and maintain our psychological wellbeing to the same extent that we do our physical health and being active can help.
Mental health benefits include:
Better memory and concentration
Social benefits
Increased self-esteem and confidence
Relieves stress
Improves mood
Improving your mood
We all feel down from time to time. If this happens to you, exercise can improve your mood by bringing about positive chemical changes in the brain, boosting your own self-image and giving you a sense of control. The positive impact of the social aspects of taking part in group exercise programmes should also not be underestimated.
Find an activity you enjoy
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym, instead find something that you enjoy that you will be able to fit into your life and sustain – for example, gardening, dancing or a walk in the park.
Exercising outdoors has an added bonus of fresh air, vitamin D exposure and its free!
