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fitness The term exercise is usually used in reference to activities that promote physical fitness. Exercise, basically are activities that results in the contraction of body muscles. Regular exercise and physical activity is the path to a healthier and happier life regardless of age, sex or fitness level. Muscle contraction is the common element of all forms of exercise, many other organs and systems are also affected, and some good examples are the heart and lungs. Exercise boosts brain functions, burns fat, builds muscle, lowers cholesterol, reduces stress and anxiety, and eases muscles for a peaceful sleep. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity cannot be over emphasized. Exercise is more than keeping in shape, regular exercise can also enhance your immune system and maybe even help protect against cancer. It certainly improves overall health in immeasurable ways. Some benefits are listed below. Weight Control Exercise helps prevent excessive weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When one is engaged in physical activities, calories are burnt. The more extreme the activity, the more calories you burn. If you can’t go the whole nine yard  in getting physical because of the health or age factor, get more active throughout the day in simple ways–  take a walk down the street, jog round the house or get involved in physical domestics chores that will help burn that unwanted body fat and keep your body fit. Reduces Stress One major mental benefit of exercise is stress relief. Exercise increases the concentration of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. Exercise helps manage physical and mental stress. Working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. Diseases and Health conditions Being active boosts high density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. Due to the physicality involved in exercise, blood flows smoothly, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. When done regularly, physical activity helps prevent or manage a wide range of health harms and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer and arthritis. Prevents Cognitive Decline Well, it’s a hard fact to swallow, as we get older, our brains get a little obscure. Ageing and degenerative diseases kill off brain cells (Alzheimer’s), ageing actually shrinks the brain cells, making it lose many important brain functions gradually. Exercise and healthy diets can help the brain against cognitive decline that starts around age 45. Working out, mainly between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the important part of the brain for memory and learning (hippocampus). Enhances mood and boosts energy Exercise stimulates a variety of brain chemicals that leave one happier and more relaxed. Your physical appearance is also enhanced when you exercise regularly, which can boost confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs (respiratory system) work more efficiently, they help the entire body system. Exercise and physical fitness routines are ways to spend time and have fun. The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with anxiety disorders calm down. Regular exercise boosts memory retention and gives one the ability to learn new things. Exercise gives you a chance to loosen up, enjoy the outdoors, or simply engage in activities that make you happy. It’s the art of having fun while you keep fit. STAY HEALTHY.  

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This article was first published on 18th May 2013

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