It is so important for us, at any age, to get up and be active! Here are some great reason to jump out of your seat and get moving.
Sharper Memory
When you exercise, endorphins are released, which can help you feel better. Endorphins can even help you think clearer and increase your concentration. Exercise can promote the growth of new brain cells and boost brain health. New research is showing a link between exercise and prevention of age-related cognitive decline!
Weight Loss & Maintenance
Exercise helps to boost your metabolism which naturally slows over time. Increasing your metabolism will help you to burn more calories and to maintain or lose weight.
Sleep Better
Did you know, the best way to get a good night’s sleep is to stay active during the day? It can help you have more sound and restful sleep.
Healthy Muscles & Bones
Exercise can help to increase the strength of muscle and bone as we age. As little as 30 minutes of physical activity each day can help strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. Increasing your muscle and bone strength can even help you prevent falls.
Start small with weight-bearing activities such as walking, lifting free weights, and climbing stairs. When you feel comfortable, increase your physical activity to increase your muscle and bone strength even more.
Pain Reduction
Chronic pain can often be taxing and take a lot of energy. Moving around can reduce pain more than being sedentary can. Exercise can decrease inflammation, increase mobility, and decrease overall pain levels. It’s best to stick to low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, and stretching, depending on your current health state. Be sure to talk to your primary care provider before starting an exercise regimen to make sure you find one that’s right for you.
Better Mood
Remember the endorphins we mentioned earlier? Endorphins help to put us in a better mood, too! These chemicals give us feelings of happiness, calm, and well-being. They also have pain-relieving and immune-boosting qualities. People who may experience chronic pain and people with depression often have lower than normal levels of endorphins. By increasing your physical activity and choosing a healthy lifestyle, your mood can naturally increase over time.
Source: sunhealthwellness.org
