The Benefits of Exercise

Article provided by Simple Fitness Solutions

Here's a list of long- and short-term benefits from exercising and participating in physical activity, along with an explanation describing the difference between the two.

The Difference Between Physical Activity and Exercise
Both regular exercise and increased physical activity add years to your life and life to your years. Health benefits are obtained from increasing the amount of any physical activity you do. The more you do, the greater the benefits.

Physical activity is any movement that uses energy. Exercise is physical activity that is structured and is done at a certain intensity for a certain length of time. We engage in physical activity for health benefits if we wish to avoid disease and delay death.

We engage in physical activity for fitness benefits in order to improve some components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and body composition).

Long-term Benefits of Exercise

• Decreases risk of heart disease: Inactive people are two times more likely to develop coronary artery disease than active people.
• Decreases blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Inactive people are two times more likely to develop high blood pressure than active people.
• Decreases body fat: Regular physical activity helps maintain optimal body weight and composition.
• Decreases cholesterol levels: A high blood cholesterol level increases the risk of heart disease. Regular exercise raises the level of "good" (HDL) cholesterol and lowers the level of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol.
• Decreases risk of diabetes: Physical activity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and increases glucose uptake for those who already have diabetes. Fit women are diagnosed with diabetes less often than women who aren't fit.
• Decreases risk of cancer: Physical activity lowers the risk of colon and breast cancer.
• Decreases risk of osteoporosis: Regular exercise delays bone loss and promotes bone formation.
• Decreases arthritis symptoms: Regular exercise helps keep joints flexible and build muscle to support joints.
• Decreases number of sick days: Exercisers feel sick less often than non-exercisers.
• Decreases chance of premature death: Fit people live longer than unfit people.

Short-term Benefits of Exercise
While many people start a physical activity program because of long-term benefits, it’s the short-term benefits that keep them motivated to continue to exercise.

• Relaxes and revitalizes: Physical activity reduces mental and muscular tension, and at the same time, it increases concentration and energy levels.
• A break from your daily routine: Physical activity is like a mini-vacation—you’re allowed to have fun.
• Helps you feel good about yourself: Physical activity increases your self-esteem and self-confidence.