| Background |
|
The significance of exercise to a healthy and relaxed lifestyle is incredibly important. Exercise doesn't just promote an increase in physical fitness but also has many secondary benefits. Regular exercise can help improve sleep, reduce headaches, improve concentration and increase stamina. Endorphins are released into the brain during exercise and these chemicals promote a sense of positiveness and happiness that last for some time after the actual activity.
Physiological effects
Oxygen is the ignition factor in the burning of energy from the foods you eat. A good supply is always necessary for your body's metabolic processes to take place efficiently. When your cells - including your brain cells - have a good supply, you have stamina, feel well and don't tire easily. If you often feel tired or have trouble concentrating, it may be that your body is not getting enough exercise. Taking aerobic exercise will bring about several important changes in your body.
It will tone your muscles and improve circulation. It will increase the size of the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart all over your body so you will have better transport of oxygen. It will increase your body's capacity to take in oxygen by strengthening the chest wall and allowing you to breathe more easily. This oxygen will generate energy. It will make your bones, joints and ligaments stronger so they are more resistant to injury. It will increase the level of energy-rich compounds and enzymes in your body, making it easier for you to use the nutrients in your body. As the efficiency of your heart increases, pumping more blood with each beat, your basic pulse rate will decline.
Benefits of a routine
In today's society there is a general drift towards sedentary lifestyles, and it is a trend that shows little sign of abating. Pressures of work also mean that precious little time is available outside of work for balancing family and social life as well. This makes it difficult to allocate our valuable time to any form of physical exercise or find an appropriate outlet for mental and accumulated physical frustration. However, lack of attention to the state of the physical body over a period of time will inevitably result in health problems. Thus, a routine exercise program, however simple, should be incorporated into our daily lives. As well as physiological benefits, physical exertion is great for releasing the toxic emotions that threaten a relaxed sense of wellbeing. You can thrash out tension, frustration and aggression, exercising your mental muscles along with your physical ones.
Forms of exercise
Exercise is a personal thing, and preferences will be affected by your individual personality, physical capabilities and the time you have available. Realistically tailoring your activity to your lifestyle is the best way to ensure that the exercise is kept up.
Skilled sports such as skiing or golf are obviously more appealing if you have the time and money to invest in learning and developing your ability to a certain level. Highly competitive sports such as squash should be viewed with caution if you already have a stressful lifestyle. Most experts would advise some form of exercise such as swimming or walking for those with limited time or resources. Even as little as twenty minutes a day put aside for such activities will be of great benefit. Getting into the habit of a brisk walk every day will reward you with a fit body, glowing skin and a new sense of wellbeing.
Gym sessions are now becoming extremely popular as a form of intensive exercise in a short period of time, although it is advisable not to be push yourself too far too quickly, and consult a trainer to design a program best suited to you. Disciplines such as yoga and martial arts can offer the chance for your body to learn a new physical rhythm. And they can shed light on alternatives to western cultural thought. Team sports or activities such as dance classes also have the benefit of social interaction with people sharing a common interest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
