by Joshua Wong, Senior Patient Care Pharmacist
The word ‘exercise’ will probably appear in every health-related article you read, but why exactly is it essential for a healthy body and lifestyle?
We’ve gathered all the benefits of exercise and handpicked the top 3 just for you, so happy reading!
Weight loss
As expected, losing weight the healthy way is one great reason to get you started with your exercise regime! Apart from helping you lose those extra kilograms, exercising also burns calories in your body.
Do remember to couple exercise with a healthy diet and keep your weight in control – every extra bit of body fat that you carry may have an impact on your health, especially if you are overweight or obese.
Protection against chronic diseases
Keeping your weight in check reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as weight loss through exercise can improve blood sugar control. Besides, exercising can also reduce your risk of developing other diseases, such as heart diseases, high blood pressure and stroke.
Tailored regular exercise has also shown to reduce blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Similarly, exercise has been linked to the reduction of some cancer risks, including breast and colon cancers.
Weight-bearing exercises (e.g. jogging) help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Furthermore, regular exercise increases both muscle mass and strength, and can be useful if you are suffering from bone and joint problems.
Certain exercises can also strengthen the core muscles and increase muscle flexibility, resulting in a faster recovery rate of lower back pain.
Psychological well-being
Studies have shown that individuals who exercise regularly at least three hours before bedtime sleep better.
Exercise can also act as a stress reliever as endorphins, a ‘feel-good’ hormone, are released when you are exercising. This hormone can also improve one’s mood, hence reducing the feeling of anxiety or depression.
If you know someone who says “I’m too old to exercise!” or “I have no time to exercise!”, tell him/her that age and being busy are not valid excuses to avoid exercising!
Physical activities are beneficial at any age if done appropriately, and clocking in 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week is easier than expected. If time is an issue, doing daily activities like household chores, or taking the stairs instead of the lift are simple ways you can exercise.
Points to note when exercising
When you engage in any physical activity, remember to start slow. If you have any existing health condition, do consult a doctor before exercising as some exercises may bring more harm than good to your condition.