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Exercise for Good Health

Exercising is good for much more than building muscles. While that might be a pleasant byproduct of exercise, getting your body moving helps with plenty of other things, too. Setting the foundation for better lifelong cardiovascular health, more healthful rest, and a healthy weight are some of the other benefits of regular physical activity.

There are more ways to stay active than just lifting weights, too. If spending an hour in the gym sounds unbearable to you, explore other options that may better suit your interests. With a multitude of fitness classes available or solo activities like going for a walk or jog with your dog, there are endless ways to get moving.

No matter what your age, exercise is a crucial component to good health.  For young adults however, the benefits of exercise are even greater for both the body and the mind.  Experts believe exercise can benefit you in the following ways: 

  • Tones your body and helps you maintain a healthy weight
  • Keeps your bones strong short term and long term
  • Increases endurance and flexibility
  • Keeps your immune system tough
  • Improves the appearance of your skin
  • Decreases overall stress levels and significantly improves your mood
  • Increases blood flow to the brain and improves memory and critical thinking
  • Contributes to better sleep at night

Along with these incredible benefits, studies have shown the impact exercise can have on increasing confidence levels in teenagers and young adults.

Adolescents and young adults are encouraged to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity a day.  If you are part of a sports team, you may be getting this exercise already.  If you are not part of an organized sport or in off-season, the activity or exercise you choose depends on your interests, environment and physical ability. You may choose to walk your dog, run on a track, lift weights at a gym, shoot hoops or swim laps in a pool – all which will lead to the same great benefits. You can also choose to split up the 60 minutes of physical activity in short bursts and get the same positive results.

The biggest reason people may stop exercising is lack of interest, so choose an exercise that fits your interest, finances and physical capability. Feel free to change it up and do something different each day so you don’t lose interest.

Whichever activity you choose, it’s important to listen to your body as you’re exercising and take care to prevent injuries. If you have a health problem or physical disability, it’s important to discuss your exercise plan before speaking to your provider? 

What questions do I ask?

  • What are the benefits of exercising?
  • How do I choose what is the right exercise for me?
  • I am really stressed with school and have no time. What type of exercises should I do?