The Many Benefits of Regular Exercise

Today's world makes it easier than ever before to lead a sedentary lifestyle. So many people work in offices and other environments that don't give them a need to move around, drive everywhere instead of walk, and lead busy lifestyles that don't allow time for the gym. But the need for exercise really is important, and has demonstrable health benefits for all ages.

Kids, teens, and adults all need adequate exercise on a regular basis for the best physical and mental health. You probably hear this a lot, so let's delve into the actual biological effects of exercise and explain exactly how it benefits the human body.

Regular exercise improves muscle and bone strength, heart health, lung capacity, and endurance. It helps prevent obesity and associated health problems like type 2 diabetes, and even improves mental function due to the body's strengthened ability to take in oxygen and bring it to the brain. Exercise also improves energy levels while simultaneously improving sleep quality — the body becomes used to activity and learns to make the most of rest times.

Exercise also boosts the immune system and helps reduce the risk of certain cancers and degenerative bone diseases. Women with painful menstrual cycles often find their cramps lessened after incorporating regular exercise into their lives. Exercise also reduces signs of aging, improves mood, and makes you look great.

Exercise for Kids

Kids have an easier time exercising than anyone else, mostly because they're not aware they're exercising — they're just playing! Running around, climbing, playground games, and more components of play are all healthful ways for kids to develop strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Of course, kids today spend more and more time playing with mobile devices, video games, or other forms of entertainment, and those do nothing for exercise at all. Unfortunately, this means they're missing out on the benefits of exercise at an early age, which can lead to obesity and other health problems later. If your kids spend too much time plugged in and not enough running around, consider restricting their screen time.

Exercise for Teens

Teenagers need exercise just as much as any other age group, and the reasons and benefits are the same. But it's also important to note that the teenage years are likely to be extremely stressful, which makes the stress-reducing aspects of exercise even more important. Teens are also susceptible to low self-esteem, which exercise does wonders for — due to both its stress-reducing properties and because it helps teens look their best.

Some teens are likely to exercise all on their own, but those with busier schedules will benefit from school sports and other programs that work exercise into their day. These are also valuable opportunities for team building and developing other skills that will help teens throughout their lives, such as leadership and planning.

Exercise for Adults

Adulthood covers a much longer span of years than childhood and adolescence, but exercise is important no matter how old you are. Your metabolism is likely to slow down, if it hasn't already, so you may need more exercise than before to keep off the extra fat. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for every system in your body, so exercise is a necessity for reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and more. The healthier your body, the greater the chance that you'll live longer.

Exercise is also vital for seniors, and will help them avoid falls and continue to enjoy the daily activities of their younger years. The mood-boosting effects of exercise are also very helpful for seniors as well as adults of all ages, as many people start to find themselves depressed as they get older. Exercise helps offset that by keeping the body in good shape and releasing endorphins that affect the brain directly.

Of course, many adults know they should exercise, but they don't have the time or energy to do it. Working exercise into your schedule isn't impossible — there's plenty you can do at home whenever you have a spare 10 minutes, so it's not like you need to go to the gym for 3 hours a day. Just do what you can, whenever you can.

If energy is a problem, you may have a hormone imbalance. Fortunately, you don't always need to see a doctor to address this — you can use homeopathic hormone boosters to treat the problem naturally. When your energy starts to return, you'll feel refreshed, and you'll find exercise much easier.