The Benefits of Exercise

As students, most of us lead sedentary lifestyles. We spend most of our time in claustrophobic classrooms and homes. With loads of homework, assignments, and exams, exercise seems to be a monotonous chore. The increasing demands made upon us by our studies, exams, and the high expectations of our parents and teachers leave us with little time for pleasure and leisure. The need to exercise becomes a bitter pill to swallow. Nonetheless, health experts prescribe exercise as a prerequisite for long, healthy life — a life free from diseases and ailments.

Physical exercise not only stimulates and develops muscles, but it also has a host of other benefits. Regular exercise can prevent obesity. When we exercise, our bodies burn up all the extra calories which would otherwise be converted into fat and lead to unwanted bulges. Being overweight also carries with it a number of other health problems, so, exercising not only keeps us trim, it also keeps away weight-related problems.

Exercise improves blood circulation which, in turn, provides constant nourishment to the millions of cells in our body. When physical exertion takes place, the rate of breathing increases. Thus, the capacity of blood to carry oxygen is increased. At the same time, it helps the body to get rid of harmful carbon dioxide.

Vigorous exercise also eliminates modern-day stress. The number of people suffering from insomnia is on the rise. The increasing pressure and nagging worries of work and study often keep us awake at night. For many of us, the dawn of a new day brings no cheer. Exercise can be instrumental in helping a person obtain a more relaxed sleep. A tired person will be refreshed and high-spirited after a good night’s sleep. A few hours of exercise will help in getting a sound sleep and is the perfect, soothing balm for a tired body and a restless mind.

Increasing affluence has caused changes in our eating habits. we indulge in rich food, high in calories and cholesterol. Medical evidence substantiates the fact that exercise can significantly lower the levels of sugar and cholesterol in our bodies. In other words, consistent physical activity can actually provide relief from ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

There are many benefits to be gained from exercise. A person who exercises regularly has good health and more vitality compared to someone who does not exercise.