FIVE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

• 1) LOWERED RISK OF DISEASE

Frequent exercise helps to improve your cardiovascular health, so your heart can pump blood more efficiently around your body. The heart is a muscle, like any other muscle group, frequent training (aerobic exercise) will strengthen it. This helps to lower your chances if heart related illnesses such as heart disease and coronary artery disease.

• 2) IMPROVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION

Several studies have shown a positive correlation between exercise and cognitive function. Frequent aerobic exercise has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus (the part of the brain associated with memory and learning).

• 3) IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH

Exercise can lower levels of anxiety and stress. During exercise, endorphins are released, these chemicals reduce the bodies perception of pain and cause feelings of 'euphoria', happiness and positivity after a workout. A number of hormones are also released, including serotonin and dopamine. These hormones are known as 'happy hormones' which can cause feelings of reward, motivation, positivity, improved sleep and overall outlook on life.

• 4) LOWERED PROCESS OF AGING

Exercise, particularly weight training, can help to strengthen the bodies joints and increase bone mineral density. As we age, our joints and bones get weaker, however the right diet and exercise routine can help to slow these processes.

• 5) REDUCED BODY FAT

High amounts of body fat are associated with several health complications such as heart disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, strokes, sleep apnea, arthritis, high blood pressure and many more. However, frequent exercise can help lower a person's body fat percentage, as it burns calories and builds muscle instead of fat. Having a small amount of body fat is okay but if it is too high, this is when problems can arise. A good way to ensure you keep your body fat percentage low, is to ensure you eat a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and refined sugars. Also ensure you do a frequent combination of strength and resistance training and aerobic activities such as walking, running or cycling.