The MANY Benefits of Exercise

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People consider exercise the fountain of youth - not just because of all it does for the body, but all it does for the mind and soul as well.

As Elle Woods says in Legally Blonde (and yes, I'm quoting that movie), "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."  Ms. Woods is right.  Studies show that exercise works not only the body, but the mind as well. 

We all know that exercise strengthens your body; it improves your heart and lung function.  It reduces your susceptibility to disease.

  • EASE ASTHMA - Exercise can strengthen the ability to breathe and reduce the need to use an inhaler in mild cases of asthma.
  • HEART ISSUES - Exercise raises "good" HDL and lowers blood pressure.  Exercise also helps reduce inflammation, which can be a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks.
  • LONGEVITY - Aerobic exercise helps increase the VO2 max (oxygen consumed during exercise), which, when higher, can make a person perform like a younger athlete.  This, in turn, stimulates new brain cell growth and cuts the risk of premature death up to 50%!!
  • REDUCE INFECTIONS - Exercise and work-outs increase the immune response, which in turn increase the aggressiveness of immune cells.  Therefore, people who exercise, get fewer colds. If you are feeling under the weather and you are debating on working out, if you think you can get through the workout, go for it.  It can help get rid of your bug!

But, almost more importantly, it reduces stress, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, and can lengthen your life.

  • STRESS REDUCTION - Aerobic exercise lowers stress hormones, which in turn helps relieve depression.  This has been proven to help relieve depression as, if not more, effectively as anti-depressant medications.
  • REDUCED DEPRESSION - People who exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes over at least 10 weeks have demonstrated reduced depression symptoms.

Exercise does so many things for the body, brain, and soul.  So, pull out your bike and go for a spin, pull out your yoga mat and do some downward dog, or just put on your sneakers and walk around the neighborhood.  Your mind will thank you.