Benefits of Aerobic Exercise on Your Overall Health
By Stephen R. Farris
There's nothing more satisfying than getting outdoors and breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the sun. For most of us, this means a time where we can participate in recreational activities such as playing baseball or softball. It could be the chance to get together with friends and shoot a few hoops. Others see it as an opportunity to exercise like walking or running, or to simply just relax and enjoy a change in the weather.
Whatever your choice may be, the object is to break away from the indoor routine of sitting around watching television and playing video games, or napping all the time.
Desirable weather conditions give you the chance to do some aerobic exercises as well. We've already mentioned a couple, walking and running, but there are others too, like cycling, swimming and classes you can take.
What are the benefits of aerobic exercise? Besides helping to reduce your chances of developing certain health conditions and improving your overall health, then let's take a look at a few more advantages aerobic exercise offers.
Weight Loss
Aerobic exercise helps to burn more calories, especially if you're trying to shred a pound or two. Combining a balanced, nutritious diet and aerobic workouts can help you reach and maintain your weight goals.
Blood Sugar Levels
If you have type II diabetes, or you're at risk, aerobic exercise can help you manage and/or reduce your blood sugar levels and keep it in a healthy range.
Lowering Your Blood Pressure
Aerobic exercise can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise is somewhat the equivalent to blood pressure medication in keeping it from getting higher.
Aerobic exercise can reduce your chances of getting a stroke and help manage it if you've had one. It also helps prolong your life, and improve overall functions -- like muscle movement, blood circulation, brain and nerve function -- throughout your body.
However, before starting any aerobic exercise, especially if you are over the age of 50, consult with your doctor or chiropractor to see if you're healthy enough to start. Your local chiropractor can also help with back, joint and neck pain as well as offer nutritional and exercise advice too.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Fla.