What are the health benefits of exercise?
Maintain a healthy weight for you Keeping your weight in a moderate range can protect you from conditions such asTrusted Source: high blood pressure high cholesterol heart disease stroke type 2 diabetes Your body mass index (BMI) and your waist circumference are two measurements that can help determine if you have a moderate weight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source. A doctor will also consider other factors such as your age, ethnicity, body composition, and health history when recommending a moderate weight range for you. Remember, weight isn’t just about a number on the scale. Everyone is different, so it’s best to work with a doctor to determine a moderate weight for you. Key Considerations for a Healthy Weight: BMI Guidelines: A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered normal/healthy, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese. Measurement Tools: Besides BMI, waist circumference is important, as excess abdominal fat increases health risks . Lifestyle Factors: Achieving a healthy weight requires consistent effort, including eating nutrient-dense foods and at least 150 minutes of weekly activity. Self-Care: Managing stress through, for example, yoga or meditation, helps prevent metabolic issues associated with weight gain. Professional Advice: Consult a healthcare provider to determine a personalized healthy weight range based on your body composition, not just weight charts. Healthy Weight Ranges by Height (Approximate): 5' 4" (163 cm): 108–145 lbs (49–66 kg) 5' 7" (170 cm): 118–159 lbs (54–72 kg) 5' 10" (178 cm): 129–174 lbs (59–79 kg) 6' 0" (183 cm): 136–184 lbs (62–83 kg) Steps to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Nutrient-Dense Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Active Lifestyle: Incorporate regular exercise to manage energy balance. Quality Sleep: 7–8 hours of sleep helps regulate hunger hormones. Behavioral Habits: Monitor your weight, manage stress, and seek support if needed.
Post: You are making real changes to your lifestyle, which is fantastic! To stick with your new habits review your plan look at the goals you set and how well you are meeting them overcome roadblocks by planning ahead for setbacks reward yourself for your hard work Track your progress Tracking your progress helps you spot your strengths, find areas where you can improve, and stay on course. Record not only what you did, but how you felt while doing it—your feelings can play a role in making your new habits stick. Recording your progress may help you stay focused and catch setbacks in meeting your goals. Remember that a setback does not mean you have failed. All of us experience setbacks. The key is to get back on track as soon as you can. You can track your progress with online tools such as the NIH Body Weight Planner. The NIH Body Weight Planner lets you tailor your calorie and physical activity plans to reach your personal goals within a specific time period. Overcome roadblocks Remind yourself why you want to be healthier. Perhaps you want the energy to play with your nieces and nephews or to be able to carry your own grocery bags. Recall your reasons for making changes when slip-ups occur. Decide to take the first step to get back on track. Problem-solve to “outsmart” roadblocks. For example, plan to walk indoors, such as at a mall, on days when bad weather keeps you from walking outside. Ask a friend or family member for help when you need it, and always try to plan ahead. For example, if you know that you will not have time to be physically active after work, go walking with a coworker at lunch or start your day with an exercise video.
Exercise controls weight Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none. To gain the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key. 2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel, called cardiovascular, diseases. Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: Stroke. Metabolic syndrome. High blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes. Depression. Anxiety. Many types of cancer. Arthritis. Falls. It also can help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.
What are the health benefits of exercise? Help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. If you are at a healthy weight, you can maintain it if the calories you eat and drink are equal to the amount of energy you burn. To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat and drink. Reduce your risk of heart diseases. Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart attack. Regular exercise can also lower high blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Help your body manage blood glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels. Exercise can lower your blood glucose levels and help your insulin work better. This can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. And if you already have one of these diseases, exercise can help you manage it. Help you manage a chronic health condition. For example, regular physical activity may help reduce pain and improve function in adults with arthritis. It can also help support daily living activities for people with disabilities. This may help them be more independent. Help you quit smoking. Exercise may make it easier to quit smoking by reducing your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help limit the weight you might gain when you stop smoking. Improve your mental health and mood. During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. This can help you deal with stress, manage anxiety, and reduce your risk of depression. Help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. Exercise stimulates your body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain. Strengthen your bones and muscles. Regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones. Later in life, it can also slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. Doing muscle-strengthening activities can help you increase or maintain your muscle mass and strength. For older adults, this can mean staying independent, like being able to get in and out of a chair or bed without help.
