We can never say it enough: physical activity is good for your health. But what does moving really do for us?
Here are 10 virtues of sport, enough to motivate us enough to continue or resume physical activity.
1. INCREASED ENERGY
The belief that we are “too tired” to exercise is based on a misperception, since it is often the lack of exercise that makes us tired. In fact, all studies prove it: physical training increases our energy and our ability to recover after exercise. In short, there is nothing like it to give us some pep!
2. WEIGHT CONTROL
Being physically active is a great way to control your weight and even lose it! The ideal is to combine cardiovascular exercises and strength training exercises. The former significantly increase calorie expenditure during exercise and stimulate metabolism in the hours that follow. The latter increase muscle mass, which results in a permanent improvement in basic metabolism and, consequently, in a greater general caloric expenditure.
3. PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
It's a fact, exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular activity directly combats atherosclerosis, strengthens the heart muscle and makes the blood more fluid, which prevents the formation of clots. Exercise also protects us from obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
4. BONES STRENGTHENING
As a general rule, between the ages of 35 and 50, we lose 7% to 12% of our bone mass. However, exercising helps prevent this loss. Activities where we support our weight (walking, jogging, tennis, rollerblading, etc.) and those where we have to lift loads (weights and dumbbells, for example) are best for strengthening bones.
5. REDUCE BACK PAIN
Statistics prove it: around 80% of chronic lower back pain is caused by lack of physical activity. You should know that the pelvis is maintained in its normal position thanks to the balanced tension between two groups of muscles: those of the abdomen and those of the lower back. However, lack of exercise weakens the abdominals, which ultimately leads to a forward shift of the pelvis. Over time, the lower back deepens more and more and chronic pain sets in little by little. Active people suffer from lower back pain 10 times less often than those who are sedentary.
6. PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN CANCERS
For several years, a link has been established between physical exercise and cancer prevention. According to some studies, active people are less likely to get cancer than those who are sedentary. Research has shown that physical activity protects against colon cancer and may reduce the risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate and lung cancer.
7. IMPROVEMENT OF SLEEP
According to some studies, exercise promotes better sleep. It causes physical fatigue and brings mental relaxation providing more restorative rest. Cardiovascular exercises are most effective in increasing the quality of deep slow-wave sleep, the most important phase for physical recovery.
8. REDUCTION OF STRESS
Physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve stress and reduce its damaging effects. A 30-minute cardiovascular exercise session reduces stress for two to four hours! Additionally, research has shown that the more stressed a person is, the more they benefit from the tranquilizing effect of exercise.
9. PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION
Exercise provides general well-being. It has a positive effect on morale and psychological health, which helps to face challenges and keep depression at bay. We know that physical activity increases the level of serotonin in the blood, a brain neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and good mood. It increases the secretion of endorphins, euphoric hormones which are from the same family as morphine.
10. INCREASED LONGEVITY
According to numerous scientific studies, 50% of the signs attributed to normal aging actually come from a sedentary lifestyle. Evidence shows that exercise substantially reduces the risk of early death from disease and significantly increases longevity.