Why Exercise is Essential

While it’s no secret that physical exercise is beneficial for the human body, the process of squeezing in a good workout amidst a very hectic working day are often overlooked. Not only can exercise enhance one’s life physically, it also has many underlying benefits. Wellintra decided to list a few of them as a daily reminder for our readers to get off the couch and get moving.

Feel-good Factor

Regular physical movement and exercise gets the heart and lungs working harder, and the joints and muscles moving. Not only does this boost the efficiency of the body, but it also releases feel-good chemicals such as Serotonin and Dopamine along with Endorphins which make an individual feel more vibrant and dynamic. Exercise, thus,  improves not just physical health, but also emotional well-being.

Restoring balance

With a busy life in a cosmopolitan city, one is left with no choice but to multitask in order to cope with the pressures of daily life. This results in a high-stress lifestyle which in turn affects our mind and body. Under such circumstances, the human body alerts the sympathetic nervous system which then triggers the fight or flight response due to the soaring levels of adrenaline. This causes an increased heart rate, fast breathing, and slow digestive process leading to exhaustion and burnout. Consistent levels of exercise when incorporated in daily life help re-regulate the hormones and balance the system. A strenuous cardio session such as a brisk walk, jog or run can help cope with the agitation caused by the intense rush of adrenaline due to excessive levels of stress.

Training the mind

Regular activity of any kind helps promote physical and emotional well-being. Exercise boosts blood circulation which also helps increase blood flow to the brain, muscles and tissues thus improving the performance of proprioceptors, which are specialized receptors in tendons and muscles that link the rest of the body to the brain and help the body register any physical movements.
Research has shown that exercise releases endorphins and other “happy hormones” such as Serotonin and Dopamine which promote a feeling of well-being.

Regular sessions of physical activity help the body benefit in the following ways:

Lifestyle benefits:

Exercise gives you the chance to:
• Rejuvenate
• Get in better shape
• Reduce or maintain a healthy weight
• Boost energy levels
• Get stronger
• Build stamina
• Become more flexible
• Improve coordination
• Increase mobility
• Develop balance
• Enhance posture
• Alleviate stiffness
• Reduce stress levels
• Increase focus
• Become more confident
• Enhance body image and self-esteem
• Fight the aging process
• Live healthier

Physiological and health benefits

Regular physical activity can help:
• Make your heart work more efficiently
• Re-balance your nervous system
• Strengthen muscles
• Enhance circulation
• Define muscles
• Stabilize joints
• Strengthen bones
• Boost metabolism
• Increase lung capacity
• Reduce body fat

Regular exercise can also help to reduce the risk of chronic illness such as:
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Back and joint pain
• Coronary heart disease • stroke
• Some cancers
• Type 2 diabetes

Since weight loss is oftentimes a motivating factor for many, exercising regularly does help control weight. Head to our Trainers Section to help you find a trainer to help you exercise!