Exercise is any physical activity that improves or maintains general health and well-being and fitness. Exercise has multiple benefits for people of all ages, including those with restricted mobility and senior citizens. It is important to ensure that your exercise program targets your current health condition, whether it is improving your cardiovascular fitness, toning your muscles or increasing your flexibility. The better you are at following a regular exercise routine, the easier it will be for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle as you age.
Exercise can be divided into three main categories: cardiovascular activity, flexibility and strength training. Cardiovascular exercises build up your endurance, strengthen your heart and lungs and help to control your blood pressure. Strength building exercises to build your muscle endurance and mass and improve your muscular power. Flexibility exercises to improve your balance and range of motion and increase your body’s agility and movement co-ordination. Finally, strength training exercises build your muscular endurance, bone strength, muscle co-ordination and your overall muscular endurance.
Many people benefit from a variety of physical activities. When you participate in aerobic or cardiovascular activity on a regular basis, your heart adapts by automatically boosting your efficiency in breathing, speeding up your heart rate and causing your muscles to warm up. The end result is that you burn more calories and your heart rate increases to match your increased ability to oxygenate blood. In addition to helping to improve your health through exercise, you will find that it improves the way that you look and feel.
Exercise is also very beneficial to your mental health. Research shows that it is very common for those who suffer from some form of chronic diseases to have a reduced life expectancy. The reduced quality of their life is likely due to the fact that they are not getting the physical activity and mental stimulation that they would need to keep them fit and healthy. A balanced exercise program, such as walking, can help to improve the overall mental health of those who suffer from chronic diseases.
Many people who participate in some form of physical activity on a daily basis to do so as a healthy hobby. If you enjoy an activity but not strictly for the physical benefits, you may be able to balance your time and get the mental benefits from it as well. For example, if you enjoy listening to music or watching television you can engage in a sport or other physical activity after work or on weekends to maintain your balance of mind. It all depends on what you feel like doing.
One of the most common benefits that people notice after engaging in some form of physical activity is improved balance, coordination and flexibility. These improvements can help keep you safe on your feet throughout the day, even when walking on a rainy day or following a busy day at work. If you are having trouble walking or are finding that you are limping a bit when you walk, you may benefit from a few sessions of brisk walking. Regular brisk walking can help keep your body, mind and joints limber and less susceptible to injury. You will feel more energized and ready to take on whatever is ahead.
