Men, your workout could be benefiting you in more ways than you think.
Although you may have started your fitness routine with a goal of building
muscle or losing weight, it’s important to maintain that routine
for a longer, healthier life.
“Exercise has a multitude of benefits that impact you both physically
and mentally,” said Marcus Osborne, Director of Catawba Valley Medical
Center’s
Fitness Plus and
Sports Medicine. “And while keeping a healthy weight is important, being physically
active for your long-term health, such as preventing and combating chronic
diseases, should be your ultimate goal.”
Benefits of Exercise:
It improves your mood.
Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical that triggers a positive feeling
throughout the body, and stimulates chemicals like serotonin that help
you feel more relaxed.
It gives you a boost of energy.
Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body and also
challenges your heart and lungs to work more efficiently. This gives you
more energy throughout the day.
It can lower your risk for health problems.
Being active boosts good cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides.
This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular
diseases. In fact, exercising regularly can help you prevent or manage
a wide range of health problems such as: stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression,
certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
It improves your brain function.
Working out increases the flow of blood to the brain and stimulates the
growth of nerve cells located in the part of the brain involved in memory.
If you’re considering starting a new exercise program, consult with
your physician or a personal trainer to determine your limitations and
what exercises will benefit you most. Regardless of your age, there’s
a fitness program that is within the range of your abilities. To learn
more about the benefits of fitness or to make an appointment with a personal
trainer at
Fitness Plus call Marcus Osborne at 828.326.2272.