Six life-changing benefits of regular exercise
One might assume that with the many exercise facilities present in American communities, adults are staying in shape. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found that less than 5% of American adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day and only one in three adults receives the recommended amount of physical activity each week. If you are one of the many adults who aren’t regularly exercising, consider these six life-changing benefits of regular exercise.
Maintain strength
Regular exercise is needed to build and maintain strong muscles and bones. When a person exercises, the body releases hormones that allow your muscles to absorb amino acids. This process reduces muscle loss and can also help muscles to grow. Exercise can also help the body build bone density. As a person ages, exercise increases in importance as a way to slow the natural loss of bone and muscle strength during aging.
Reduce the risk of disease
Inflammation is the body’s way of fighting things that can harm it. However, if inflammation continues too long, it causes issues and can lead to a wide range of disorders and diseases. Exercise can reduce this excess inflammation. Regular exercise can also keep the heart strong and reduce the risk of heart attacks or stroke.
Improve brain health
When a person exercises, the heart beats faster and carries more blood and oxygen to the brain, which keeps it healthy. Exercise also stimulates the release of hormones that can help grow brain cells. Regular physical activity is even more crucial during aging because it helps reduce the changes in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer’s. Memory is also improved through exercise since regular physical activity causes the hippocampus, the memory part of the brain, to grow in size and improve its function.
Decrease depression and anxiety
Regular exercise stimulates changes in areas of the brain that control stress and anxiety so these feelings can be controlled. Regular physical activity also increases the production of endorphins, which are chemicals produced by the body to reduce stress and pain. The effects of exercise on mood are so effective that even a short walk can reduce stress or anxiety.
Boost energy
When a person is physically active, the heart starts pumping blood faster. This means more blood carrying oxygen and nutrients is reaching various parts of the body including the muscles. The end result is an energy boost. If exercise is continued consistently over time, a person will begin to feel an overall increase in energy.
Enhance sleep and relaxation
During exercise, the body temperature rises. After exercise, it begins to lower, which stimulates the body to relax. The depletion of energy during activity also helps the body to be more tired and ready to sleep. The endorphins released during exercise can also reduce stress for a better night’s sleep.
Exercise during post-hospital recovery
After a hospital stay or medical event, it may be hard to focus on exercise. However, exercise is needed to regain strengthen and flexibility, improve mood and decrease inflammation. What is more, exercise should be adapted and individualized to each person. Choosing to recover in a short-term rehabilitation center such as Whitehall of Deerfield allows access to specialized equipment and experienced therapists who can successfully move you toward recovery at a steady and effective pace. Whitehall of Deerfield has been given Medicare’s highest rating in its five-star quality rating system of rehabilitation facilities and is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading and most respected health care accrediting authority, making it an excellent choice for recovery.
Guests at Whitehall of Deerfield receive the highest quality medical and personal care. Well-appointed rooms feature world-class amenities including concierge service, daily delivery of Starbucks coffee and newspaper, a therapeutic putting green, dozens of cable channels with a 24-hour channel of newly released movies and much more. Guests enjoy a variety of appetizing menu items — as well as complimentary fresh-baked treats and ice cream at an on-site ice cream parlor and coffee shop. A life enrichment department provides various leisure programs to enhance your stay.
Guests can also be assured that Whitehall of Deerfield maintains a strict level of safety and infection control, offering you a short-term stay in its separate infection-free, post-hospital wing with a specially trained, dedicated staff. Whitehall of Deerfield also provides routine facility-wide COVID-19 testing and ongoing patient and staff monitoring to ensure your health and safety.
For a recovery that is quick and effective as well as luxurious, look to Whitehall of Deerfield. To learn more, visit whitehallofdeerfield.com or call 847-945-4600.