Benefits of Exercise
Looking for a way to improve your health? Regular exercise can make a big impact on your fitness. It is not as important what exercise you do, just that you move! The more consistent your exercise habits are the more benefits you will have. Exercise can help you with the following:
- Regulate weight gain
- Prevent bone loss
- Increase energy
- Manage and release stress
- Increase muscle strength and ability
- Provide a way to share interests with friends and family
- Help delay or prevent chronic diseases
- Create heart healthy habits that help obesity, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels
- Improve anxiety and depression
- Increase self-esteem
- Improve sleeping habits
How Much is Exercise is Enough?
The amount of exercise each person needs may depend on what the goal is. Is it to improve heart health, maintain weight, or lose weight? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that each person should be physically active for at least 30 minutes, 5 or more days a week. This will help improve and maintain health. For the greatest benefits choose activities that strengthen the heart and use different muscles in the body.
Preventing Injury During Exercise
Injuries can be painful and may keep you from enjoying many activities. But remember, you can prevent injuries from occurring when you exercise. Things like stretching and wearing protective equipment can help keep you injury free. It is worth it to take a little bit of time to prevent injury!
What Types of Exercise are Best?
The best type of exercise will vary from person to person. A lot depends on age, skill and interests. Do activities that you enjoy. This way you are more likely to do it regularly. The activities you do don’t have to be the same everyday. In fact, doing different exercises may help you to not burn out and stay excited about exercising.
Exercise During Pregnancy
Tired? Gaining weight? Not feeling your best? Although these are common symptoms during pregnancy, exercise may actually help provide some relief! Exercise can help reduce backaches, give you energy, improve your mood and posture, promote muscle tone, help you sleep better, and may help you to have a faster delivery. Staying fit during pregnancy can also make it easier for you to get back in shape after the baby is born. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start exercising when pregnant.
This article will help by discussing the answers to the following questions about exercise:
- What type of exercise I should do?
- How long should I exercise?
- How often should I exercise?
- How intense should my exercise be?
Exercise After Delivery
Now that your baby is here, you are probably thinking about shedding some of those unwanted pregnancy pounds. Exercising after having a baby is great for your mind and body! It can help you lose weight and get back into shape. You may notice an increase in energy and improved self-esteem. Before starting your exercise, you may have some common questions such as:
- When can I start exercising again?
- Can exercise after delivery be dangerous?
- Where do I start?
- What kind of exercises can I do?
Disclaimer:
Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury in your case, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. The advice presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation. The Utah County Health Department/WIC Program disclaim any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.
