We're committed to keeping you up-to-date on the latest research in the field of active health, weight-loss strategies, nutrition and well-being - but let's take a minute this week to get back to basics. There are many, many reasons it's important to get active, but these five should be enough to convince you it's time to get moving:
1. Weight Control: This one is obvious. Even moderate exercise burns calories, calories which, unused, will turn into fat. There's no way around it, our body stores fat until it is needed as extra energy. When we get active, these fat stores are burned by the body. To maintain a healthy weight, American government guidelines advise 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week
2. Brain Power: It is now a generally accepted fact that exercise can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and thinking. Even gentle activities such as Tai Chi, which can be performed at any age, have been found to keep the mind sharp and protect against decline in brain function as we age. One study at the the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition at the University of Pittsburgh found that older adults using relatively high amounts of energy in their daily activities have a significantly lower risk of becoming cognitively impaired compared to those who spend less energy. Similar studies in Toronto and Paris confirmed these findings.
3. Avoiding Ill-Health: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce instances of many chronic diseases. Obesity is only the tip of the iceberg; physical activity has now been shown to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and high blood pressure. Regular exercise has also been shown to ease the pain of arthritis and aid those suffering from high stress levels and associated ill-health. A study published this month by leading medical journal The Lancet concluded that 15 minutes of physical activity per day reduces risk of death by 14% - that's almost one in six deaths postponed thanks to the minimum requirement for physical activity.
4. Emotional Well-being: Exercise is a key contributor when it comes to mental heath, offering not only the benefits of higher self esteem and body-image, but reducing risk of depression and anxiety. The feelings of achievement and success often felt after exercising are extremely positive, bolstered by the release of endorphins - the 'feel good hormones'. Regular exercise has also been found to improve sleep quality, which has a direct impact on mental and emotional clarity.
5. Speedy Recovery: Regular exercise and healthy living makes it much easier for your body to repair itself in the event of injury or surgery. Physical activity increases muscle tissue and white blood cells, which help the body to reduce inflammation.
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