Dr. Len Kravitz is the program coordinator for exercise science and researcher at the University of New Mexico, He succinctly summed up research evidence to share the top 25 health benefits linked with regular physical activity and exercise. Dr. Kravitz grouped some of the benefits together “because of their physiological or metabolic associations”. Exercise is medicine!
Top 25 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
1, 2, 3: Reduced stress, depression, and anxiety
4: Lower risk of stroke
5: Lowered incidence of breast cancer in women
6: Reduced (when elevated) blood pressure
7, 8: Increased function and mobility with less pain in arthritis sufferers
9, 10: Improved total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (aerobic exercise combined with weight loss)
11, 12: Enhanced protection from cardiovascular disease
13, 14: Improved body composition and obesity management
15: Maintained and/or increase bone mineral density for osteoporosis management
16, 17: Improved musculoskeletal health and prevention of sarcopenia
18, 19: Improved blood triglycerides and HDL- cholesterol (independently improved with aerobic exercise)
20: Lower incidence in colon cancer
21, 22, 23: Better management and prevent of diabetes with mediation of insulin sensitivity
24, 25: Enhanced self-esteem and mood state
Is there something on this list that caught your attention and you want to change for the better?
Subsequent blogs will guide you in developing a personalized plan for physical activity.
http://exerciseismedicine.org/public.htm
Health Benefits of Exercise: Kravitz, L. (2007) IDEA Fitness Journal, 4(9), 54-63.
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/benefits-of-exercise
Leave a Reply