Why is exercise essential for good health?

For anyone looking to improve their overall health, there are lots of health benefits of exercise. Lots of people wonder why is exercise essential for good health. There are a few main reasons why it is good to have regular exercise in your routine.

Helps combat health conditions and disease

One of the benefits of exercise is that it decreases the risks of catching a number of diseases. Exercise helps prevent and manage diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Improves mood and boosts energy

Exercise can help boost metabolism by burning calories. It gets the heart rate up, increases oxygen in the blood and releases endorphins, which all help increase energy.

Exercise also boosts the production of serotonin, known as ‘the happy hormone’.

However, make sure you don’t overdo it as you could reduce your immune system training too hard. Extend your runs or introduce pace progression but keep it reasonable.

And remember, recovery and eating enough are just as important.

If you are sitting down all day then going outside for a walk can give you a vital dose of Vitamin D, from any sunshine/daylight, which will help your mood and boost your immunity.

Improves sleep hygiene

Struggling to go to sleep is a common problem that lots of people face. Sometimes this is down to diet but often it is because there is not enough exercise in your daily routine. Even a small amount of cardiovascular exercise will help with sleep hygiene. For more information about sleep hygiene read our useful guide.

Fun and social

One of the most important benefits of exercise is that it is fun and social. Getting out and running with others is great for anyone looking to meet new people and have a laugh. If you would like to join a local running group, then search for your nearest group here.