25 Benefits of Regular Exercise (+ 5 Tips for Beginners!)
So long and sayonara to the days when exercise was popularly praised for FAT LOSS...
(...which we now know is predominately determined by DIET.)
While physique goals are a common motivator for many, let's shed some light on some of the deeper, more VITAL benefits of exercise by diving into all that movement has to offer!
First, What's Considered "Regular Exercise"?
In general, regular exercise for adults is considered 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, broken down into the workout quantities + lengths of your choice.
Examples of moderate-intensity exercise include activities like:
walking briskly
jogging/running
swimming
biking
lifting weights
body-weight training
playing sports
rowing
Pilates
dancing
jumping rope
stair-stepping
gymnastics/calisthenics
power yoga
...or ANY other movement which gets your heart rate up 50-60% higher than its resting rate.
(Think push mowing your lawn, deep cleaning your house, or playing tag with your tots!)
25 Important Benefits of Regular Exercise
It's no secret exercise is touted as one of the best practices we can incorporate for holistic, whole-body health. Let's get into the good & nitty-gritty by breaking down some of the muscular, cardiovascular, physical, and mental benefits regular exercise can provide!
Muscular Benefits
1. Increases Muscular Strength 2. Increases Flexibility & Range of Motion 3. Strengthens Bones, Ligaments & Tendons 4. Enhances Posture & Balance 5. Increase Blood Supply to Muscles 6. Improves Endurance
Cardiovascular Benefits
7. Lowers Resting Heart Rate 8. Strengthens Heart Function 9. Lowers Blood Pressure 10. Improves Oxygen Circulation 11. Enlarges Heart Arteries 12. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Physical Benefits
13. Improves Calcium Deposition into Bones 14. Prevents Osteoporosis 15. Improves Immune Function 16. Aids with Digestion & Elimination 17. Increases Endurance & Energy Levels 18. Improves Metabolic Health 19. Aids with Insulin Regulation
Mental Benefits
20. Helps Reduce Tension & Anxiety 21. Promotes Endorphin Release 22. Helps Relieve Moderate Depression 23. Improves Ability to Handle Stress 24. Improves Sleep Quality 25. Stimulates Improved Mental Function
5 Quick Tips for Beginner Exercisers
If you're new to working out, or the standard recommendations feel intimidating to you, check out these tips for supportive suggestions to help ease you into your routine!
Remember that ANY form, volume, or amount of exercise is better than NO exercise.
SLOWLY work your way up to where you want to be for sustainable & safe results.
Start and work with the resources you already have (clothing, shoes, equipment, etc.)
Choose exercises you ENJOY so you're more likely to come back for more.
ALWAYS listen to and honor your body's own ques, needs, and limitations.
Did you find this article helpful? Let me know + share your favorite form of exercise in the comment section below!
Disclaimer: These recommendations are not considered medical guidelines and are intended for educational purposes only. It's always recommended to consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you have a medical condition or injury which may be worsened by physical activity.
Sources: Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., 2012. The encyclopedia of natural medicine. New York: Atria Books.