Exercising is important for every age and current activity level. Many patients mistakenly assume that if they don’t have weight to lose, they don’t need to exercise. However, inactivity can lead to many different health problems, and only about 22 percent of adults in the United States get the minimum recommended amount of exercise (30 minutes a day for five days a week).
Exercise and Heart Health
Your heart is a muscle, and it gets stronger when it is used, just like any other muscle. When you exercise, you are helping your heart to get stronger. Over time, this lowers your resting heart rate. Without exercise, you have a higher risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you are 30 to 50 percent more likely to develop hypertension.
Exercise and How You Feel
The benefits of exercise for your heart are very important, but there’s also something to be said for how exercise makes you feel. It boosts your metabolism so that you have more energy, which allows you to do the things you enjoy, set a good example for others in your life, and spend more time with your loved ones. Without exercise, you may feel fatigued. You’re also more likely to experience stiff joints, which can make your day-to-day activities difficult.
Exercise and Weight
Exercise is a key part of helping you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Without incorporating regular exercise into your schedule, you are more likely to be overweight or obese. This puts extra strain on your heart and contributes to a higher risk of diabetes.
Overall, exercise can help you to live longer, and there is something out there for every activity level. You can get the benefit of exercise for your body through walking, running, bicycling, swimming, or lifting weights. Talk to your doctor about the best way to achieve the benefits of exercise in your lifestyle.