Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

You know exercise is good for you, but do you
know how good? From boosting your mood to
improving your sex life, find out how exercise can
improve your life.
By Mayo Clinic Staff

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps
even live longer? Look no further than exercise.
The health benefits of regular exercise and
physical activity are hard to ignore. And the
benefits of exercise are yours for the taking,
regardless of your age, sex or physical ability.
Need more convincing to exercise? Check out
these seven ways exercise can improve your life.

No. 1: Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or
help maintain weight loss. When you engage in
physical activity, you burn calories. The more
intense the activity, the more calories you burn.
You don't need to set aside large chunks of time
for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you
can't do an actual workout, get more active
throughout the day in simple ways — by taking
the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up
your household chores.

No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions
and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent
high blood pressure? No matter what your current
weight, being active boosts high-density
lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and
decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two
punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which
decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In
fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent
or manage a wide range of health problems and
concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome,
type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of
cancer, arthritis and falls.

No. 3: Exercise improves mood
Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some
steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym
or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical
activity stimulates various brain chemicals that
may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
You may also feel better about your appearance
and yourself when you exercise regularly, which
can boost your confidence and improve your self-
esteem.

No. 4: Exercise boosts energy
Winded by grocery shopping or household
chores? Regular physical activity can improve
your muscle strength and boost your endurance.
Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and
nutrients to your tissues and help your
cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And
when your heart and lungs work more efficiently,
you have more energy to go about your daily
chores.

No. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep
Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall
asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you
may be too energized to fall asleep.

No. 6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical
activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a
positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical
activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly
are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't
exercise.

No. 7: Exercise can be fun
Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a
chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you
happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun
social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find
a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.

The bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and
have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every
day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to
exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise
program, especially if you have any health concerns.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/exercise/art-20048389?pg=1