6 Reasons Why You Should Be Exercising Right Now
By Sandy Schroeder
Instead of reading about exercise, you might be better off taking a walk or heading out for a run. Time magazine recently posted several reasons why we should all be exercising more. It turns out only 20 percent of Americans get the recommended 150 minutes of cardio and strength activity needed per week. More than half of all baby boomers do no exercise, and 80 million Americans are completely inactive.
Here are some key reasons you should join the 20 percent of active Americans.
Exercise Might Make You Smile
Researchers say exercise unleashes chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and endorphins, that lift the mood, dissolve stress and ease pain. The emotional benefits of exercise may be just as important as the physical rewards.
Exercise Is Good for the Brain
Researchers have linked exercise to better memory, less depression, and quicker learning. Studies suggest it may be the best way to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise may improve blood flow to the brain and fuel the growth of new blood vessels.
Exercise May Slow Aging
Exercise may add as much as five years to your lifespan as it slows aging at the cellular level.
Your Skin Will Love It
Blood flow to the skin is revved up when we go dancing, running or biking. Aerobics supply nutrients and oxygen to the skin to help wounds heal faster, too. After an injury it is important to get moving as promptly as possible to lessen muscle loss and to restore blood flow to the skin.
Exercise May Help a Recovery
Prescriptions for exercise may become more common. Dr. Robert Sallis of Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center said he has been prescribing exercise for years hoping to reduce medications. “If I could get them to do it on a regular basis -- even just walking, anything that got their heart rate up a bit -- I would see dramatic improvements in their chronic disease, not to mention all of these other things like depression, anxiety, mood and energy levels.”
A Little Movement Works Quite Well
Researchers are now studying micro workouts that require a person to push as hard as possible for 20-second intervals. Research suggests individuals may get by with shorter intense workouts that achieve similar physical benefits accomplished by longer workouts.
If you think about it, most of us already have proof of what exercise can do. Think about the last time you hopped on your bike instead of into your car. Or how about the last time you ran to the park with your kids? Every time I settle onto a yoga mat, or head out for a walk, the world looks a little better. Deep down we know exercise is the way to go.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chula Vista, Calif.