Get Active!
It's no secret that regular exercise is a cornerstone of good health. But did you know exercise offers benefits that extend well beyond physical fitness? Here are just a few reasons to get up and get moving today.
Physical fitness equals mental fitness. A recent study found that age-related differences in the brains of older adults varied depending on their level of aerobic endurance. Connections between different parts of the brain weaken with age, and greater fitness was associated with stronger brain connections later in life. Previous research finds that exercise may also buffer the symptoms of early Alzheimer's, including memory and the ability to think.
Exercise improves diabetes control. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently found that people with type 2 diabetes who exercised had lower body fat, a smaller waist size, and better blood sugar control than people who were inactive. The positive effects were seen whether people did aerobic exercise, resistance training, or a combination of the two.
Aerobic activity can help curb asthma. Workouts that really get the heart pumping may help ease symptoms of asthma. In a study of 43 people with moderate to severe asthma, those who did 30-minute yoga breathing exercises plus a 35-minute indoor treadmill session twice a week showed greater reductions in the severity of symptoms and more improvement in quality of life than people who did breathing exercises alone.
After-school exercise may improve academic success. Regular daily exercise appears to improve kids' attention span and ability to multitask. Research finds that children who are physically fit are more likely to have better language, attention, memory, and academic skills. In addition, the more fit middle-schoolers are, the less likely they may be to develop symptoms of depression.
Physical activity is linked to improved symptoms in Parkinson's disease, a reduced risk for some cancers, greater self-esteem, a longer lifespan, and much more. As a general rule, aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
© 2016 GeniusCentral Systems, Inc.
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