We all know that keeping fit is good for us and that maintaining a regular exercise regime is an important way of staying healthy and happy, so here we look at some of the key ways that staying active is important for both body and mind.
Weight control
Perhaps the greatest benefit of regular exercise is that it helps us to maintain a healthy weight. Cardiovascular activity burns calories and helps to reduce body fat, meaning our bodies can function more efficiently and with a far reduced strain on our muscles and bones.
Vascular benefits
Exercise reduces the cholesterol and fats present in our blood stream, which increases the flexibility of our blood vessels and helps to lower blood pressure. The combined effects of this help to keep our arteries and veins clear, reducing the change of a heart attack or heart disease.
Blood Sugar
Exercising helps to trigger our muscles into action, at which point they take glucose from the bloodstream in order to create energy. This helps to reduce the sugars that are present in our blood and avoid an accumulation of sugars than can result in conditions such as Diabetes.
Extra Energy
People who exercise on a regular basis will usually find that they feel more energetic as a result. This allows them to stay more alert and dynamic throughout their daily routine, reducing the effects of feeling tired or sluggish.
Increased Strength
The impact of different types of exercise applies a physical stress to our bones and muscles (including the heart), helping them to strengthen and perform better. This makes our bodies far more durable and efficient, which keeps us stronger and healthier.
Happiness
Exercise helps us to feel happier and more confident, so it can have an important impact on our everyday mental health. Keeping a regular fitness regime also helps to reduce and manage stress, which is a key method of lowering blood pressure levels.
Staying fit
Though there are many benefits to maintaining a regular exercise routine, this can be physically demanding on our bodies and aggravate issues with muscular pain, discomfort in the joints and even problems with alignment and gait.
Fiona Passey Osteopaths offer specialist osteopathy services including sports massage and naturopathy that help our clients to maintain exercise and sporting activity.
If you’d like to find out how osteopathy can help to prevent pain or discomfort caused by your exercise regime, please contact our friendly team today.
