More good news about exercise
We all know exercise is good for our physical health, but aside from the physical effects, exercise has many other benefits for the human body and mind. We love exercise, but what we enjoy just as much is training our clients to get better physical health, because with that comes a more balanced lifestyle, more everyday energy and positive mental health.
PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
In our modern ‘chair’ culture, we do not expend the same levels of energy that our ancestors used to, so many of us do not move as much as we should.
Despite the established and growing scientific evidence showing how physical activity plays a huge role in reducing many modern-day diseases, there is still not as much take-up from the public as you would expect. According to surveys, only one third of the population of the UK actually exercise regularly.
Below we have outlined some of those fantastic benefits of exercise on our physical health — it:
Reduces the risk of heart disease Lowers blood cholesterol levels Reduces the risk of type two diabetes and some cancers
Can lower blood pressure
Can make your bones stronger, increase muscle mass and strengthen your joints to lower the risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia
Can improve your balance which in turn will lower the risk of falls Helps you recover more quickly from illness, surgery and child birth
Can enhance your sleep Increases your energy levels
WEIGHT LOSS
In our work as personal trainers and nutritionists, most of our clients come to us to lose weight and they are often surprised when we tell them the most important aspect in weight loss is diet and ensuring you are in a calorie deficit — you have to expend more energy than you are taking in.
You can eat less or you can do lots and lots of exercise — but really the best and most healthy way is to do both. Here are some great activities to help you burn fat, and get stronger: Walk 10k+ steps per day
Do the couch25k app to get you running
Go on to YouTube and find an exercise class of your liking — there are so many out there, you’re bound to find something you enjoy.
Lift weights — If you want to change your physique and get that “toned” look that so many people are after so you will have to build muscle.
Make sure to incorporate compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench press, pulls ups and some isolation exercises to get that pump in the muscles.
If you are unsure what you are doing, then definitely hire a personal trainer to show you what to do and write you a programme.
MENTAL WELLBEING According to the Mental Health Foundation, “physical activity has a huge potential to enhance wellbeing in our population. It is known that even a short burst of ten minutes’ brisk walking increases mental alertness, energy and positive mood states.”
The positive effects of exercise on our mental wellbeing is an area on which more light is constantly being shed by the scientific community.
And given the state of the world recently, there are many added external stresses and pressures on our lives, so getting outside for a walk, a run, playing a game of football or doing something fun like having a good dance will help to block negative thoughts or distract you from daily worries.
In addition:
Exercising with others (within Government guidelines) provides an opportunity for increased social contact.
Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns.
Exercise may help to increase your serotonin and endorphin levels (moodenhancing hormones) and reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone).
What we can take home from this is that exercise and physical activity is multi-faceted and can help you in all aspects of your life, to live longer, lose weight and feel better within yourself.
Anna Schuchman and Charlotte Wikler are co-owners of aceLifestyle.
For further information on how you can change your life for the better, contact info@ace-lifestyle.com