The Benefits of Physical Exercise
The benefits of physical exercise for adults are many and varied. Studies show that an active lifestyle is essential for maintaining good health. Rollo, (2007) list some benefits which include reduced risk of heart disease, weight loss, improved self image, relief from anxiety and depression. This essay will address these physiological and psychological benefits of physical exercise.
Heart health Physical exercise is one of the best protective measures against heart disease (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and increases the blood supply to the heart; this in turn lowers blood pressure, increases good HDL cholesterol, decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduces the chance of forming abnormal blood clots which can cause angina and heart attacks (Weil, 2004). Further more, a healthy heart supplies the needed oxygen to all other body organs enabling them to work more efficiently, promoting a positive spiral effect of health benefits.
Weight control
A regime of regular physical exercise can improve the whole body considerably, helping to lose weight or maintain an already healthy weight (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Extensive studies have shown that exercise burns calories, promotes fat loss and builds muscle. This in turn increases the body’s metabolic rate. Simply put, the fitter a person is the more muscle is built and more calories are burnt (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). According to Phillip and Jacky Mills (2007) physical exercise combined with a strength component helps to regulate appetite and is one of the fastest ways to lose weight and look terrifically taut and trim.
Self image
Feeling good is very important and studies show that regular physical exercise can decrease stress and tension while boosting self esteem, making a person feel more confident (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Exercise stimulates the brain which releases endorphins that act on the nervous system to reduce pain and raise
Heart health Physical exercise is one of the best protective measures against heart disease (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Physical activity strengthens the heart muscle and increases the blood supply to the heart; this in turn lowers blood pressure, increases good HDL cholesterol, decreases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduces the chance of forming abnormal blood clots which can cause angina and heart attacks (Weil, 2004). Further more, a healthy heart supplies the needed oxygen to all other body organs enabling them to work more efficiently, promoting a positive spiral effect of health benefits.
Weight control
A regime of regular physical exercise can improve the whole body considerably, helping to lose weight or maintain an already healthy weight (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Extensive studies have shown that exercise burns calories, promotes fat loss and builds muscle. This in turn increases the body’s metabolic rate. Simply put, the fitter a person is the more muscle is built and more calories are burnt (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). According to Phillip and Jacky Mills (2007) physical exercise combined with a strength component helps to regulate appetite and is one of the fastest ways to lose weight and look terrifically taut and trim.
Self image
Feeling good is very important and studies show that regular physical exercise can decrease stress and tension while boosting self esteem, making a person feel more confident (Bird & Reynolds, 2002). Exercise stimulates the brain which releases endorphins that act on the nervous system to reduce pain and raise
References: Bird, W., & Reynolds, V. (2002) Walking for Health. United Kingdom: Carrol and Brown Limited. Mills, P., & Mills, J. (2007) Fighting globesity. Auckland, New Zealand: Random House NZ. Rollo, I. (2004). Understanding the role of exercise in health promotion. Nursing Times, 100(37), 36-38. Weil, A. (2004). Natural health, Natural Medicine. United States of America: Houghton Mifflin Company.