Benefits of exercise

Regular exercise has several health benefits. It has been associated with both physical and mental health benefits. It has also shown to increase years lived without disease and disability as people age. Here are some benefits of exercise.

1. Exercise has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and stress. It has shown positive effects in part of the brain that regulates stress and anxiety as well as increasing sensitivity for hormones such as norepinephrine which can improve mood.

2. It is also a crucial factor in weight loss as it increases the amount of energy burnt in excess of the basal metabolic rate. It increases the metabolic rate which essentially burns more energy for everyday tasks and strenuous exercises.

3. Exercise can not only build but also maintain and strengthen muscles and bones. Exercises release hormones that increases muscle and bone-building activity and reduce their breakdown. This is especially important for women after menopause as if they have a larger muscle and bone mass, it delays the onset of osteoporosis. Essentially women start losing bone mass at a constant rate, but if u have more to start with, it'll take longer until any significant impacts can be noticed.

4. Studies have found that exercise can increase the energy levels of individuals and reduce the feelings of fatigue. This is especially important for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and other serious illnesses as it reduces their symptoms.

5. Physical activity has also been linked reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It has been linked with decreasing insulin insensitivity, blood pressure and fat levels whilst improving cardiovascular fitness and body composition. This decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and immature life.

6. Exercise has also shown to improve brain function, protect memory and thinking skills whilst also improving the quality of sleep. It increases the blood flow to the brain providing it with more nutrients and oxygen which can enhance the growth of brain cells whilst also preserving or improving brain structure and function. Exercise has been linked to delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The energy depletion has also been linked with increasing quality of sleep and affecting insomnia and other sleeping disorders.