Here at Healthy Steps we can’t stress enough the importance of exercise along with your healthy eating plan. Here are just a few, 51 to be exact, reasons why it’s a good idea to get going and get moving.
Reference: www.cancer.gov
- Improves quality of life
- Lower Alzheimer’s risk
- Lowers risk of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes
- Up to 80% lower risk of breast cancer
- Strengthens bones & lowers risk of osteoporosis
- Improves self-esteem
- Effectively relieves symptoms of mild depression
- Can decreased chronic joint or muscle pain
- Lowers risk of heart attack
- Improves cognitive function and creative problem solving
- Improves body composition (ratio of fat mass to lean mass)
- Boosts levels of “feel good” biochemicals like endorphins
- 30-40% lower risk of colon cancer
- Lowers blood levels of “bad cholesterol” (LDL)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts your immune system
- Lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Improves body image, even without changes in appearance
- Strongly linked with better weight loss maintenance (staying at your new lower weight)
- Prevents short-term memory loss in the elderly
- Improves symptoms of anxiety
- 20-40% lower risk of endometrial cancer
- Raises blood levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL)
- Can decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis
- Improves flexibility and relieves muscle tension
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- Burns calories
- Provides stress relief
- 20% lower risk of lung cancer
- Supports other healthy behaviors like healthy eating
- Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance
- Greater ease with activities of daily living
- Targets belly fat
- Lowers risk of injury (with stronger, more flexible muscles)
- Lowers risk of stroke
- Increases optimistic feelings and improves mood
- Lowers risk of getting a cold
- Kicks up metabolic rate (you burn more calories even at rest)
- Core strength can improve lower back pain
- Protects mobility
- Makes it easier to fall asleep
- Improves heart health
- Increases libido in both men and women
- Decreases the number of times you wake up during the night
- More toned and fit appearance
- Increases self-confidence
- Lower risk of esophageal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, kidney cancer, myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the head and neck, rectum, and bladder.
- Increases energy & vitality
- 40% Lower risk of Erectile dysfunction
- Increases pounds and inches lost during weight loss
- Lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
- Lowers all-cause mortality risk by 20-30%