Exercise is not all about weight loss.
While exercising does not always help you shed those unwanted pounds and may even cause you to gain weight, you should not quit exercising altogether. Needless to say, there are a lot of benefits that you can get from maintaining a regular exercise routine ? and weight loss is just one of them.
Why Do You Need to Exercise?
A recent study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research revealed that exercising may not always lead to weight loss. According to the data gathered by researchers in the Arizona State University in Phoenix, despite being subjected to the same conditions (respondents exercised for 30 minutes three times a week), some women lose weight while others tend to gain weight. However, they could not come up to any conclusion why this happens.
If exercising cannot guarantee weight loss, why do you need to do it? Here are some reasons why.
It promotes good cardiovascular health. Numerous studies suggest that exercise can be good for the heart. In fact, doing moderate intense exercise such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming can significantly reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and diabetes. For best results, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends every American adult to participate in 30 minutes or more of moderate intense activity on most, if not all, days of the week.
It can help ease stress. Exercise is an ideal way to burn off steam. It can also be a great way to counter depression. According to Dr. Jordan Metzl, a nationally known sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, New York, exercise keeps the brain occupied and regulates the cortisol level in your body. As a result, it can lower symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.
It can help fight fatigue. Exercise can boost your energy and fight fatigue. According to the results of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia, engaging in low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise in as little as 20 minutes three times a week for six consecutive weeks helped sedentary people feel more energized and less fatigued.
It can help sharpen your memory. Memory loss and other cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may result from chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Thankfully, you can lower your risk by getting enough exercise since it promotes better blood flow throughout the body, including the brain.
It can lower your risk of certain cancers. Regular physical activity can help lower your risk of colon cancer by up to 50% and breast cancer by up to 20%.?
There are a lot of reasons why you need to exercise so don’t give up even if you don’t seem to lose weight.
