- Exercise for Quality of Life - Wikimedia Commons
As the New Year's Resolution season fades away, the impetus to “get in shape” or “lose the weight” fades as well. That's too bad...study after study has shown the benefits of regular exercise, and the increased incidence of health problems in sedentary individuals. So, for those who have already chucked that New Year's resolution list, here are five good reasons to get back on the exercise wagon.
Effective Weight Control
In conjunction with a proper diet, exercise is vital for weight control. Even low intensity exercise, such as walking, can be effective for those desiring to lose weight. As a general rule, 100 calories are burned for every mile traveled, either from running or walking. A 30 minute walk will cover about 2 miles for most people, resulting in a 200 calorie “burn”. Assuming no change in diet, a daily 30 minute walk will result in a 2 pound weight loss per month. Not bad.
Elevated Mood
Exercise can help one's overall mood and outlook in many ways. First, the idea of making a positive life change can empower new exercisers. The feeling of accomplishment at the end of a good exercise session is hard to beat. Additionally, the “runner's high” is a payoff of exercise. After 30 minutes or so of intense exercise, the brain releases endorphins – intrinsic chemicals produced by the brain that elevate mood, and bring an overall sense of well being.
Increased Motivation and Improved Diet
Exercise, without proper diet, will generally leave most people short of their overall health and fitness goals. While exercise alone will lead to some degree of weight loss, and will increase strength and endurance, true fitness requires both exercise and good nutrition. It is generally easier to commit to 30 minutes of exercise per day, rather than 24 hours per day of good nutrition. Beginning with an exercise program will often lead to improved nutrition. Most exercisers don't want to “waste” their exercise sessions by undermining their efforts with poor nutrition.
Increased Discipline in Life
Although everyone should be able to reserve 30 minutes per day for exercise, the majority of us don't. Those that do exercise, show a level of discipline that many lack. The pay off of this show of discipline is weight loss and improved overall health. Generally, the positive reinforcement of a successful exercise program will help the successful fitness enthusiast apply that discipline to other areas of life. Suddenly, work performance, home life, and personal business affairs all improve from this newfound resolve and self discipline.
Live Longer, Live Healthier
Humans, like other living things, are dynamic organisms. Given that all living things are constantly changing, people are either improving, or declining. Regular exercise can ensure that an individual is continually improving, and can stave off the physical and mental decline that occurs with age. Studies show that even mild, regular exercise can extend life span, and improve mental and physical functioning as people age.
Steven M. Cohen - Dr. Steven Cohen is a practicing physician, specializing in Diagnostic Radiology. Dr. Cohen, a member of the American College of Sports ...
