Humans need exercise for several reasons. It isn’t just about looking great; it is about feeling great too. Here are the number one reasons why humans NEED regular exercise.

What exactly is exercise? 

Exercise comes in many shapes and forms. Whether it is a long early morning walk or hitting the weights at the gym, studies show that it is clear that everyone can benefit from getting active. Exercise can be as simple as a morning breakfast disco with the kids or a serious athletic training session.

The one thing all exercise has in common – it should consist of vigorous activity that increases your heart rate. The experts recommend 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 150 minutes per week. However, many people prefer to split this up across a week in bigger chunks, such as 40 – 60 minutes in the gym four times a week instead of working out every day.

#1 – Weight loss

Perhaps the biggest reason that people decide to start working out is because of the weight loss. Whether you would like to maintain your weight or lose a few extra pounds, exercise is the crucial ingredient alongside a balanced and healthy diet. Working out 3 to 4 times per week in various ways is the best way to get real results in your weight loss.

If you are working out to combat weight gain, consider adding more resistance, strength, and weight training over cardio, as you are more likely to see faster results. A healthy balance of two cardio sessions paired with two strength-training sessions is the ideal balance.

#2 – Cardiovascular disease 

Cardiovascular disease is the number one reason why many people should aim to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity that gets the heart rate going per day. Exercise can help improve vascularity and the flow of blood. After all, the heart is one of the most important muscles, too; it also needs a little help to function. As your heart gets stronger, it is better able to fight off the effects of heart disease.

It helps by reducing your weight and the strain placed on your heart to pump the blood throughout your system and lower blood sugar levels. So grab a pull-up band (like these Victorem) and get your sweat on for a healthy and happy heart.

#3 – Mental health 

Are you feeling down in the dumps? If you are under the weather, you might want to consider joining a gym or investing in a yoga class or two. Regular exercise improves your mental health, boosts your feel-good hormones, and makes your body feel better. No doubt, getting a little sweaty once or twice a week will help you cope with stress better.

Stress impacts the body and can have lasting physical effects; by combatting it directly with exercise, you release tension built up in your body. Yoga, in particular, is an excellent choice as it is not only physically soothing but mentally soothing too.

#4 – Natures energy boost

It might sound a little counterintuitive; however, even a 10-minute stretch can get you feeling full of life and ready to take on the world. Physical exertion sends signals throughout your body to stay alert and use more energy. Meaning you get a little boost of energy when you need it most.

So skip the nap and go for a walk next time you are feeling a little sleepy.

#5 – Say goodbye to insomnia

Sleep struggles are common in the digital world we live in. Regular exercise can improve the quality of your sleep as well as the quantity. Anaerobic exercise helps release endorphins and release tension in the body. These are two essential parts of getting a great night’s sleep.

Older adults that tend to suffer from a lack of sleep can benefit from a yoga class or an aqua aerobics session. Both exercises have been proven to help ease age-related stress, including insomnia.

#6 – Strong muscles and bones

As can be expected, exercise improves muscle mass and helps you get strong. If you want to gain muscle mass and definition, you should consider adding strength training to your weekly routine.

Bones are living tissues; over time, they begin to degrade as we age. Exercise can help lower the risk of bone-related illness. Regular exercise helps remineralize and rebuild bones by increasing your bone density. The younger you form regular exercise habits, the more comfortable you will find in your later years in life.

#7 – Reduces Chronic Health conditions

Regular moderate to vigorous exercise can reduce chronic health conditions such as strokes, high blood pressure, various cancers, anxiety and depression, Type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. The increased circulation of fresh, oxygen-rich blood helps carry vital nutrients to the places in your body that need recovery or repair.

The benefits are clear

Next time you are feeling down, take the stairs instead of the elevator and burn calories simultaneously. The many health benefits of getting physically active are extensive. From tackling pesky weight gain to preventing disease of the heart, body, and mind. Your workout might just be exactly what the doctor ordered!