I was at the gym the other day teaching a spin class, and came across a fellow gym member who said he recognized me from Great Day SA.
He said he was a first-timer to spin and let me know he got a good workout. We chatted about the difficulty of the class, but added how rewarding it felt to finish the workout.
I found out he was actually a family practitioner. So I couldn't help but ask him more questions about exercise -- Is regular exercise, including a 45-minute spin class really that beneficial?
His answer was an absolute - YES!
The good doctor says he tells his patients this all the time -- "I can't write a better prescription than daily exercise. It's preventive medicine."
That got me thinking about the health benefits of regular exercise now that we're in the holidays dealing with stress and going into the new year writing up our resolutions.
In MayoClinic.com, the website states some of the benefits of regular physical activity. It says we know how good exercise is for our body, but why?
Aside from weight loss, there are more reasons exercise improves our lives.
Improves Your Mood. When you include regular physical activity in your day, you'll feel a boost of confidence and improvement in your self-esteem. Exercise stimulates your brain and releases endorphins leaving you feeling happier and relaxed.
Prevents Chronic Diseases. I've learned for years you can prevent heart disease, manage your blood pressure and type 2 diabetes with daily exercise, but I'm learning even more it prevents osteoporosis. Ladies, you can build bone strength by walking, dancing, jogging, stair-climbing, racquet sports and hiking (Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation).
Boosts Your Energy Level and Promotes Better Sleep. Exercise helps improve your entire cardiovascular system. Your heart and lungs will work more efficiently and you won't have to breathe so heavily after climbing a flight of stairs. After a workout, you'll get a good night's rest. Physical activity helps deepen your sleep and you'll catch some ZZZ's faster!
So if you've been wondering just how can you overcome the holiday stress, and start the new year off right, then don't put off exercise and still keep it part of your list of resolutions -- no matter how many times you've added it. Just like the doctor ordered, exercise is the best medicine for your body. Chances are you'll see results and it'll be the best present you give to yourself.
