If you think exercise is just about weight loss, read on.
Why do we exercise again? A refresher…
It’s sometimes hard to remember why we need to exercise. We are constantly bombarded with messages that we are not enough - that we must have perfection, the Internet demands it. So let’s go back to school and remind ourselves why exercise is more than just a way to make our bodies look acceptable.
If you’ve lost your way about your why, why you want to exercise then read on to explore how physical activity profoundly impacts our lives, touching on the latest research findings that inform the big 7 impacts exercise will have on your health.
We have to start by talking about the heart and lungs – our cardiopulmonary champions. Exercise significantly improves the efficiency and capacity of these systems, meaning our bodies get better at delivering oxygen and removing carbon dioxide during workouts. This leads to increased stamina and endurance, laying a strong foundation for overall health.
Next, a big word often used by marketing gurus to make us eat certain foods or do certain exercise regimes, the metabolism, the engine of our energy production. Exercise revs up this engine, optimizing how we use energy, which is crucial for supporting muscle activity and vital functions. This metabolic boost can transform your energy levels and exercise performance.
But what about hormones? Yes, exercise also fine-tunes our endocrine system, balancing hormones that regulate stress, metabolism, and recovery. Exercise benefits not just your physical fitness but your overall well-being.
Facing the heat, literally, exercise prepares us better for warm environments through adaptations like improved sweating and blood flow. These changes help maintain performance and comfort when temperatures rise. I can’t help but wonder with hotter summers and warmer winters whether this is something we need to consider. Often classes and sessions don’t run if it’s even slightly hot. If we were better adapted to it, we’d probably enjoy the summer a bit more. I’d rather tackle climate change though.
Shall we introduce oxidative stress, that sounds bad and it is often viewed negatively. Interestingly, while exercise temporarily increases oxidative stress, it also strengthens our antioxidant defenses, providing long-term cellular protection.
Hydration gets a shoutout too, being critical for thermoregulation and performance, especially in hot conditions. Proper hydration strategies can prevent performance dips and physiological strain associated with dehydration.
Lastly, we can’t talk about exercise effects without talking about the thing on everyone’s minds that is, body composition. Exercise not only helps use fat but also influences fat metabolism and potentially resting metabolic rate. This is key for weight management and metabolic health, offering a strategic path to achieving fitness goals.