Exercising can have many advantages to our physical and mental health. Now that we have a lot of time at home, we can use this time to become stronger and healthier. Keep reading to find out about the many benefits of exercising and a few workout suggestions.
Physical benefits
The effect of exercising on physical health is very impactful. It has effects on the cardiovascular system, which is composed of the heart, lungs, arteries, and veins. When you work out, your body delivers oxygen and other nutrients to your cardiovascular system, making it stronger. Like all muscles in the body, the heart can become stronger if we exercise regularly and efficiently. Your bones can even become stronger by working out. An example of a physical benefit of exercising would be that it helps lose weight, which is the most common reason people start to exercise. When you exercise, you burn more calories which can decrease your weight. Plus, exercising can cause you to sweat, which is how fat leaves your body. Exercising regularly can also develop muscular strength. When you use your muscles, it causes them to use more energy to make the muscles bigger and tougher. Along with developing muscular strength, working out can improve your muscular endurance. Muscular endurance is how much a muscle can accomplish over a set time. A commonly unknown benefit of exercising is that it can prevent certain heart diseases. When you exercise, you are making your heart stronger which can prevent certain diseases in the future. Programs like “Jump rope for Heart” encourage people to exercise to stay healthy and fight heart diseases by staying active and skipping.
Mental Health
The effects of exercising on mental health are just as impactful as the effects on physical health. One of the biggest benefits of exercising is that it can reduce anxiety and stress levels, which many of us struggle from. Exercise has been proven to relax your mind. Another important benefit of exercising is that it can reduce depression levels. This is very important because a lot of people are facing some type of depression. Research has proved that exercising can improve your sleep. So if you are having trouble sleeping, you might want to try exercising a little. Working out can also spark creativity and problem solving, which can be very helpful to many people.
How much exercise
Scientists say that at least an hour of exercising every day can lead to a healthier lifestyle. You are not required have to work out vigorously. As long as it is consistent, you will benefit from it. Whether it be running up and down the stairs a few times or lifting weights, all that matters is that you get moving. Also, make sure you drink a lot of water whenever you exercise so you don’t get dehydrated.
A few effective exercises
- Squats
Squats can strengthen your hamstrings, abdominal muscles, abs, and your calf. Squatting is one of the most effective ways to burn off belly fat.
- Push-ups
Pushups are a useful exercise that can help burn off fat. Pushups strengthen your biceps, triceps, and core. If regular pushups are challenging for you, try doing them on your knees, it should be a little easier.
- Sit-ups
Sit-ups help burn off fat, especially near the stomach area. Doing a few every day can cause some positive changes.
- Burpees
Burpees activate mostly all of the muscles in your body. Burpees require a wide range of motion which is very beneficial.
- Planks
Planks stabilize and strengthen your core along with your biceps and abs. This is another great way to burn off fat and strengthen your muscles.