Did you make a New Year’s resolution to live healthier and be more physically active this year? Setting a goal for healthy living is often the most popular New Year’s resolution among adults. A 2023 national survey revealed that about 41% of Canadians who made a New Year’s resolution focused on improving their physical health.
The benefits of regular physical activity go far beyond simply building muscles. Exercise can have beneficial effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health. As we age, having an active life becomes more and more important. Especially if you want to keep a high level of mobility well into your 80’s and beyond. Your efforts today will contribute to your wellbeing in the future.
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
Weight control: Being physically active burns calories. The more intense and/or longer the activity, the more calories you burn.
Mood improvement: Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that can make you less anxious and more relaxed, leaving you feeling happier.
Sleep booster: Being physically active can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. But don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may feel too energized to fall asleep.
Brain function improvement: It can protect memory, reduce the risk of developing dementia, and lower the risk of death from all causes.
Strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance improvements: This can reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.
Re-energize your sex life: In addition to improving your energy level and increasing your confidence in the way you look, regular physical activity may enhance arousal in women and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Increased socialization: Doing exercise is a great way to meet new people or spend time with friends or family. This time you dedicate yourself to exercise and being with them can also be emotionally rewarding.
Exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems.
These are some of the problems that might interest you:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Certain types of cancer
- Depression
- Falls
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
If it has been a while since you last exercised, or if you have health concerns or physical injuries, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting your new routine. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level to reduce the risk of injury. Finding an activity that you enjoy doing alone or with a friend will keep you motivated.
Be active, be healthy, be happy.
