To best answer this potentially very in-depth question, let's quickly take a look at some of the reasons why to even bother working out! Is this just a fad like any other? Is this only for people who are wanting to build muscles? What if I just want to lose a few pounds or tone up my tummy? Great questions when you are brand new to fitness!
As you will find out though: 'in motion' is our bodies' natural state. And because a lot of us are sitting most of the day; we are not using our bodies' most primal function. This in itself has led to a lot of health issues. The short answer is: yes, everyone should be working out or even just excising in some way daily. Challenging your body is just as important as challenging your mind!
It is also very easy to get caught up in the world of distracting news about which diet or exercise fad will get you in "the best shape of your life". The real change will come from change itself. If you're feeling overwhelmed about starting a new intense workout program you've seen or restrictive diet a friend has told you about, you should probably try a smaller step then build upon that. This journey to being fit should be fun and rewarding! Challenging yourself then overcoming that challenge is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Now let's get back to the "why" and take a look at some of the more internal benefits of staying active!
Circulation and cardiovascular health
Without activity and challenging our hearts to pump blood at a higher volume through the body on a week to week basis, our arteries slowly lose their elasticity and ability to flush out cholesterol, macrophages, and muscle cells. This can then lead to the first stage of Atherosclerosis: Endothelial Dysfunction and get worse from there. Add to this a higher than usual carbohydrate consumption and lower than usual protein content within your day and you now have a dangerous recipe for plaque formation on the artery walls. So get exercising!!
Mental and cognitive well-being
In the numerous studies that have been done involving the effects of Physical Exercise and brain health (see our references for those studies), there have been positive changes in both functionality AND physical structure of the brain correlating to regular physical exercise in comparison to a sedentary lifestyle.
From a functional standpoint; regular physical exercise has shown to enhance learning ability, memory, sleep quality, decision making, attention-heavy processes, and executive control processes. Basically, every category.
Similarly; in the physical structure (biological mechanisms) of brains, studies have shown that Regular Physical Exercise is related to an increase in cerebral blood flow, optimal oxygen consumption for cerebral tissue, and a reduction in muscular tension.
Overall well-being
Many studies have been done that indicate more than strong, but definitive evidence that regular Physical Exercise is shown to have a direct effect on:
Ability to manage stress, treating addictive or unhealthy behaviours, and an increase in bone density.
Increase in Serotonin levels (important for positivity, mood balance, and being present, awake, and alert)
Every major system of the human body is affected in a very positive way with the inclusion of frequent Physical Exercise. Consequently, every system is also negatively affected by not exercising. So, get moving!!
I hope this has helped motivate and inspire in some way!
If you have any further questions or if you'd like to know more about how to best get started into fitness yourself, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at
References:
How To Increase Serotonin in the Human Brain Without Drugs
Simon Young - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2077351/
Effects Of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits
Laura Mandolesi-Arianna Polverino-Simone Montuori-Francesca Foti-Giampaolo Ferraioli-Pierpaolo Sorrentino-Giuseppe Sorrentino - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934999/
Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture and Thrombosis. Evolving Concepts
V Fuster-B Stein-J Ambrose-L Badimon-J Badimon-J Chesebro - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2203564
Assessment and Treatment Of Endothelial Dysfunction in Humans
Todd Anderson - http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/34/3/631
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