----Benefits of Physical Activity----
Physical activity benefits the body in more ways than one. Not only will your body look and feel good, but your mind benefits from it as well.
Some psychological benefits of exercise:
-Reduced stress
-Improved self-esteem
-Increased feelings of energy
-Increase in one’s pride
Research has shown that doing
aerobics or a mix of aerobic and
muscle-strengthening activities 3 to
5 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes
can give you mental health benefits
such as a reduced risk of depression
and can even help you sleep better.
(http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/)
The Physical Benefits of Exercise:
- Decreased rates of bone density that is lost as you age
- Helps with arthritis and other conditions affecting joints
- Reduced risk of Cardiovascular Disease and different cancers.
Only 150 mins of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a
week can significantly reduce your chances of having
heart disease or a stroke, two of the leading causes of
death in the U.S.
Preparing to start exercising:
-Start small. The last thing you want to do is set your goals too high to be accomplished and then feel discouraged after you have not met them.
Some tips for when you begin to exercise are:
- -Focus on activities you enjoy
- -Be comfortable
- - Reward yourself
- - Make exercise a social activity
(http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/emotional-benefits-of-exercise.htm)
References:
Psychological Benefits of Exercise. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/resource-center/health-fitness-resources/psychological-benefits-of-exercise/
(Association of Applied Sports Psychology, 2016)
Robinson, L., Segal, J., Ph.D, & Smith, M., MA. (n.d.). The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. Retrieved April 21, 2016, from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/emotional-benefits-of-exercise.htm (Robinson, Segal, Smith, 2016)
Physical Activity and Health. (2015, July 04). Retrieved April 23, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/
(Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015)