You’ve probably heard it before and you know it’s true. Exercise is an important aspect of your health, and not just because it helps you physically.

Exercise can help you:

• Mentally
• Emotionally
• Energetically

In today’s article, we're going to be breaking down the reasons exercise is so essential for a healthy life. And we’ll be explaining the benefits of it and how you can get more exercise in your daily routine. Keep reading to learn more!

Why is exercise important? What are the benefits?

Exercising regularly can help you:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control your blood sugar levels
• Strengthen your bones and muscles
• Reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease
• Live more independently (especially for those with disabilities)
• Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

However, as we said earlier, exercise doesn’t just help us with our physical health. It can also help us emotionally.

Exercise may help release endorphins. Endorphins boost pleasure and reduce pain, they create a feeling of well-being and positivity. They’re the reason why you feel so happy after a walk or a workout at the gym.

Exercise can even help fight depression. It’s shown to increase your brain's sensitivity to certain brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. Both serotonin and norepinephrine affect your mood.

It may also help boost your energy. When you exercise regularly you’re strengthening your muscles, lungs, and heart. Because of this, your cardiovascular system is able to work more efficiently.

Even during the act of exercise, your body is working harder to bring more nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, in return, this may cause a surplus of energy.

It may also promote sleep. Regular exercise uses the energy you build up throughout your sleep. This could cause tiredness at the end of the day, helping you fall asleep easier. And as we know, getting the right amount of sleep has a profound impact on your overall well-being.

Ideas for exercise

Now that you know the many benefits that come from exercise, how can you start doing it more? The thing is, you don’t necessarily have to do intense strenuous workout routines.

There are many options available and you should choose one that appeals to your age, ability, and interest. Some ideas might include:

• Sports
• Hiking
• Biking
• Crossfit
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Jump rope
• Weight lifting
• Rock climbing
• Martial arts training
• Running or walking

The possibilities are endless. With so many options it’s easy to get lost, but it’s best to find something you can see yourself doing for a long time. The reason for this is exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you choose to take part in a form of exercise that you’re passionate about, it’ll be easy to stick with it for the long run.

Have you always loved soccer? Join a league. Are you interested in nature? Try rock climbing or hiking more often. At the end of the day, it’s up to you! So, we encourage you to find something you like, and start exercising more regularly if you aren’t already!