As they get older, staying in shape and training hard continues to be a priority for many. For others, however, it may be slightly more difficult to stay active while balancing family life, work and social commitments; all of which can have an impact on their overall health and wellbeing.
Staying Active Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Keeping fit and active enhances your overall Cardiovascular (Heart) Health, which essentially means you don’t burn as much energy when carrying out your everyday activities. We recommend taking part in at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week, which should leave your batteries feeling recharged and more energised.
Staying Active Helps you Sleep Better
Taking part in intense activity sessions are proven to help most people sleep better, which has wide-ranging benefits to both your physical and mental health in itself. Reduced concentration, weight gain and poor productivity are all closely associated with a lack of sleep, so ramping up your fitness regime may prove to have even more of a positive impact than you first anticipated.
The key to this is finding out what works best for you, this could include hitting the gym, going for a swim or trying a new sport or group fitness class. It could also be exploring something that’s part of your daily routine such as brisk walking, housework and gardening, which are all slightly alternative ways to get active.
Aids in Preventing or Reducing the Risk of Illness
Exercising has been shown to prevent a whole host of conditions including Type Two diabetes, Alzheimer’s, colon, lung and breast cancer, arthritis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes, while it can also help to reduce the symptoms of chronic illnesses such as, joint pain, lowered immune system functions and menopausal symptoms.
The Mental Health Benefits of Staying Active
Whilst building strength and staying in shape is vital for our physical health, exercise also plays a significant role when it comes to our mental health. It’s well known fact that working out gets the heart pumping, which in turn releases endorphins that not only elevate our energy levels, but lead to feelings of happiness, positivity and exhilaration. Regular exercise has also been known to be an effective part of combating anxiety and depression. Furthermore, staying active is a great way to reduce your risk of contracting dementia or Alzheimer’s.