The Benefits of Exercise

After years of extensive research, it is difficult to deny that there are countless benefits of exercise…but what exactly are they? To many, it is no surprise that exercise can improve athletic performance, enhance musculoskeletal health, and aid in weight loss. However, these benefits extend much further than the eye can see.  

Scientifically speaking, exercise can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease (the number one cause of death in the US), type II diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, dyslipidemia, cancer (colon, breast, and lung), osteoporosis, arthritis, metabolic syndrome (a cluster of medical conditions), sarcopenia (the loss of muscle with aging), and more. Of course, these benefits aren’t overwhelmingly surprising either. But how about the ones that aren’t as expected? 

More recent research has concluded that exercise contributes to significant improvements in brain function. Some of these include a sharper memory, mood enhancement, improvements in cognition, and a decreased risk of developing dementia. Additionally, exercise has been known to boost self-esteem, promote better sleep, increase energy levels, boost immune function, improve digestive health, increase joint range of motion, prolong life, decrease the risk of falling in older adults, and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. To summarize, exercise will lead to a increase in quality of life and overall health and well-being. 

And the best part of it all? These benefits are completely at your disposal! 

Stephanie Spoto, Personal Trainer