Hello and welcome. The name of this site or blog is Money and Health with Chris. I know what you are a smart person so of course you know we’re gonna talk about Money…..and Health! You got it! Money is easy…most people get the basic concept of money, but what about health? This article is about the benefits of regular physical activity. Notice I didn’t say exercise or running or calisthenics. I said…physical activity. I’m not limiting it to just formal exercise. So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or just beginning your fitness journey we all need regular physical activity for our overall well-being. So, let’s talk about why it’s important and why we need to get moving!
Regular physical activity is more than just building muscles and burning calories. Improved physical health is an obvious benefit but it influences nearly every aspect of our lives from social connections to mental health. Activities that improve your cardiovascular system walking, jogging, swimming and cycling not only gets your heart pumping but also can also be great to building social connections when done with friends which is great for our mental health. These activities are also great at lowering blood pressure, strengthening the heart, improving circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition physical activity helps you lose or maintain weight by burning calories, building lean muscle and increasing your metabolism. Several health issues such as diabetes and certain cancers can be reduced by maintaining a healthy bodyweight.
As we age it’s important to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Activities such as strength training with weights and bodyweight exercises help to build muscle mass and increase bone density. Exercise and consistent physical activity can also improve your immune system by helping to fend off illnesses and infections. Exercise and daily physical exercise have been proven to help people live longer, healthier lives as well as have a higher quality of life as we age.
Most of us just focus on the physical benefits of exercise and staying active, however the many mental benefits are just as profound. Exercise and physical activities help reduce stress and improve your mood by releasing endorphin hormones. If you go for a nice walk or jog through the park, decide to do some gardening in the backyard or just completed a 3 hour powerlifting workout at the gym they all can provide an instant mental boost! Staying active and moving can help with depression and increase your overall happiness.
Regular physical activity and exercise isn’t just good for your muscles and love handles, it’s good for your brain too! Studies prove engaging in moderate exercise and physical activity 4-6 times a week improves cognitive function, improves memory and concentration. It also promotes new brain cells and enhances neural connections due to increased blood flow to the brain. Regular exercise promotes better sleep quality by helping you enjoy a deeper more restorative sleep. Notice how well you sleep after a good workout, walking around all day, going for a long hike? It’s a reason why kids “sleep like a baby” after a long day of playing and running around. As adults we are no different. Tired yourself out and watch your sleep go through the roof!
Many of you dread working out or walking alone. It can quickly become boring for some, but it doesn’t have to be a solo activity. It’s great to have a friend or workout buddy to hold yourself accountable or just to engage with so you can refocus and power through. You can join a local gym, participate in fitness class or simply go walking or jogging with a friend can afford you many opportunities for social interaction which can increase our well-being and sense of belonging. Some of the mental benefits of working out with or engaging in an activity with a partner can provide motivation, encouragement teamwork, increase communication, provide an opportunity to meet new people, develop new relationships and make you feel like you’re more involved and connected to your friends, family and community.
What about the emotional benefits? Whenever we push through discomfort it challenges us and in doing so teaches us resilience, discipline and provides a great sense of accomplishment which is great for our self-esteem. Exercise and other forms of physical activity can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up emotion, frustration and anger. Whether it’s through yoga, lifting weights, rock climbing or a game of pickleball with your friends it can be a welcomed distraction allowing you to destress and focus on the moment providing mental clarity and leaving you feeling calmer and more centered.
So, you now know the physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise and being physically active. How do you get started? I know it can be hard to find time to get to the gym and be active, but as I stated this isn’t just about exercising in the traditional form. Hitting the gym and going for a run is great, but it’s not something that’s in all our wheelhouses and just may not be in our comfort-zone as well. Many of us lead hectic lives balancing work, family, and other commitments. Life gets busy and it can be a challenge to find time to exercise and be active, but trust me….you can do it! The secret sauce is to prioritize your exercise and activity and schedule into your day.
Remember, simple steps will pay huge dividends! Walk for 20 minutes during your lunch, take the stairs instead of the elevator, plan a light workout at home before work or while watching television. Take up hobbies that will get you moving like gardening, tennis, bike riding, daily walks with a friend or group of friends. Doing things you enjoy makes it feel less like exercise or a chore and you will be more motivated to do it regularly. Walking your dogs, playing in the park with your kids or grandchildren, going swimming, taking a dance class, joining an activities or nature club where there are planned trips usually involving all sorts of physical activities. The point is mix it up. Make it fun. Variety is the spice of life and you have a lot of life to live so be healthy and live it to the fullest!
Regular exercise is very important, but it doesn’t have to just be push-ups and squat thrusts either. There are many ways you can boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being by maintaining and prioritizing an active lifestyle. In doing so you’re investing in yourself and your future. Work hard, play hard and be smart about it. Listen to your body and respect its limits. If you workout hard one day, go for a walk the next. If you go for bike ride with friends one day maybe you go for a swim at the local gym the next. For some a 5- 6 day a week routine at the gym or running 30 or 40 miles a week may be the norm, but most of us are not at that fitness level. It’s not a competition or a race. It’s about exercising at a pace that’s comforting for you and doing activities you enjoy to get your body moving and your blood pumping. Start slow and slowly increase over time. Start out by maybe walking a mile or bike riding for 15 minutes and slowly increase it to 2 or 3 miles walking and maybe 30 or 40 minutes on the bike. Consistency and enjoying the journey is paramount! So, what are you waiting for? Join that dance class you’ve been thinking about today and have fun becoming a happier, healthier version of you!