We all know exercise is important.
Here are the top 5 reasons why exercise is important, and why you should start today (If you haven’t already!)
1. Improves heart health, manage weight
Regular exercise , especially cardio, strengthens the heart, and helps to manage weight as well.
2. Mental Health
Physical activity has been shown in randomised controlled trials to have a significant anti-depressant effect on people with major depressive disorder.
Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, Richards J, Rosenbaum S, Ward PB, Stubbs B. Exercise as a treatment for depression: A meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias. J Psychiatr Res. 2016;77:42-51. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.02.023
3. Promotes better quality sleep.
Exercise (both aerobic and resistance training) has been shown to have an improvement in the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Score, reduced sleep latency, and reduced medication use (for sleep).
Yang PY, Ho KH, Chen HC, Chien MY. Exercise training improves sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2012;58(3):157-163. doi:10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70106-6
4. Reduces risk of osteoporosis.
Resistance training helps with improving bone density especially in post-menopausal women. A Cochrane review of 43 randomised controlled trials found a statistically significant effect of exercise on bone density.
Howe TE, Shea B, Dawson LJ, et al. Exercise for preventing and treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(7):CD000333. Published 2011 Jul 6. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000333.pub2
5. Helps with flexibility, balance
Reduced balance puts one at an increased risk of falls, especially as you age.
A combination of balance and strength training has shown to be useful in reducing risk of falls, and improving quality of life.
