Why Exercise
When we think about the basics, it is important to revisit why exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
When done regularly, physical activity helps prevent and manage:
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- And other serious health problems.
Regular physical activity also helps to control body weight by increasing the calories you expend each day. Exercise also builds muscle which results in you burning more calories all day long, even at rest.
Healthy adults should aim to get about 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate intensity exercise per week (like brisk walking) and muscle strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
Major muscle groups include:
- Legs
- Hips
- Back
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Arms
If you are trying to improve your lifestyle, you may need a little more exercise per week than the average.
Overall, fitness helps nearly every aspect of life – from physical to mental and emotional health. Everybody needs regular physical activity to achieve his or her full health potential.
Tags: exercise, strength training, weight training, weights