Why is good to do exercises

Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns. Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.

Aim for at least 30 minutes a day To maintain health and reduce your risk of health problems, health professionals and researchers recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days.

If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.

Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week. Ways to increase physical activity Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school. See your doctor first It is a good idea to see your doctor before starting your physical activity program if: you are aged over 45 years physical activity causes pain in your chest you often faint or have spells of severe dizziness moderate physical activity makes you very breathless you are at a higher risk of heart disease you think you might have heart disease or you have heart problems you are pregnant.

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Related Stories. Already a print subscriber? Go here to link your subscription. Need help? Visit our Help Center. But if you are like many Americans, you are busy, you have a sedentary job, and you haven't yet changed your exercise habits.

The good news is that it's never too late to start. You can start slowly, and find ways to fit more physical activity into your life. To get the most benefit, you should try to get the recommended amount of exercise for your age.

If you can do it, the payoff is that you will feel better, help prevent or control many diseases, and likely even live longer. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Benefits of Exercise. What are the health benefits of exercise? Regular exercise and physical activity may Help you control your weight.

Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in controlling your weight and preventing obesity. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat and drink must equal the energy you burn.

To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat and drink. Reduce your risk of heart diseases. Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol , coronary artery disease , and heart attack.

Regular exercise can also lower your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Free websites are available to track your progress, as well as apps for smartphones one app: MyFitnessPal. Working out with a friend is more fun than working out alone. You will be much less likely to cancel exercise if you know someone is counting on you to be there. Start with an activity that is fairly easy for you, such as walking.

Do it for a few minutes a day, several times a day. Slowly increase the amount of time and the intensity of the activity. For example, increase your walking time and speed over several weeks.

Trying to push yourself too hard in the beginning could cause muscle strain or sprain. This can really sidetrack your health goals. Pay attention to your body. Stop exercising if you feel very out of breath, dizzy, faint, nauseous, or if you feel pain. Talk with your family doctor if you have questions or think you have injured yourself seriously.

Last Updated: February 18, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Exercise can help people who have diabetes. It can help control your weight, lower your blood sugar level, and…. Stretching is one of the best ways to keep your muscles healthy. Stretching regularly will maintain muscle strength and….

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