Don’t be discouraged if there are weeks that you don’t meet this minimum. Any exercise is better than nothing, and workouts don’t need to be a certain amount of time for them to “count”. As long as you make it a priority to get moving in a way that gets your heart rate up and makes you feel good, health benefits will come.
There are countless reasons as to why being active is essential, but we’ve narrowed it down to four. Here are a few reasons why including exercise in your lifestyle is so important:
1. Exercise reduces the risk of health conditions.
Exercise is also known to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you currently have type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can help you manage your blood glucose levels. Research has also shown that exercise lowers the risk of many common cancers, such as bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, lung, esophagus, kidney, and stomach cancer.
More generally speaking, working out boosts your immune system and helps your body better fight off infections. This has a direct impact on your overall health and wellbeing, and will help you function at your best.
2. Physical activity improves your mood
A fitness routine can alleviate feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, or anger. Working out releases endorphins, which make you feel good. Most people who include physical activities in their lives report feeling noticeably better.
3. Routine exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight
If you’re looking to get to or maintain a healthy weight, exercise plays a critical role. To lose weight, you’ll need to do a high amount of physical activity. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight requires both a regular exercise routine as well as a healthy eating plan. Everyone is different, and some people will ultimately need more physical activity than others to reach or maintain a healthy weight. The balance that each person needs varies greatly. If you’re not seeing the results you’re hoping for, it may be time to try a different routine. If you are starting to reach your weight goals or are successfully maintaining a healthy weight, it’s a good idea to stick with what you’re doing.
4. Working out reduces stress and improves mental health
Working out is also known to improve mental health. Studies show that regular physical activity reduces one's risk of depression. It also reduces feelings of anxiety, and improves brain health in general. If you’re looking for a way to promote positive mental health, look no further- a regular fitness routine will support you in feeling your best.
It’s important to note that exercise is meant to make you feel good. Some signs your fitness routine is working for you are that you feel more energized, you're excited to workout, you feel stronger, and experience better balance and coordination. If your workout routine isn’t helping you to feel these things, it’s time to change it up.
