Exercise is widely known to be good for us, but how good?  Exercise is shown to improve mood, improve energy and control weight.  If you want to have more energy and extend your lifespan plan in more regular exercise to your week and remain consistent.  All ages, sexes, and abilities benefit from exercise.  

Exercise to manage weight

Exercising regularly will prevent excessive weight gain and help maintain hard earned weight loss if you maintain a normal sensible diet.  Loading up the plate or snacking more because you are exercising more will not be helpful.  Physical exercise that gets you out of breath will burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more out of breath you are, the more calories you burn, the more weight you keep off or lose.

Regular exercise is the key to seeing weight change and body composition change.  Find an activity you enjoy as you are more likely to keep it up.  Gyms are great, classes, pools, HIIT programmes, long coastal or moorland walks all fit the bill.  Simpler additions to regular exercise are to use stairs where an opportunity arises, walk part of the commute to work, take a walk at break and lunch times.  Consistency and regularity are the buzzwords.  

If you want something different, do something different.

Exercise, health conditions and disease

Consistent exercise and activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol which helps to balance out and decrease unhealthy triglycerides reducing risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. 

Many health problems are prevented or successfully managed with regular exercise, including: 

Stroke

High blood pressure

Type 2 Diabetes

Depression and anxiety

Arthritis

Falls

Many types of cancer

Exercise is known to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of an early demise.

Exercise for mood

Consistent exercise stimulates various brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier, less anxious and more relaxed.  A good brisk walk can help to destress, a good gym class and provide an emotional lift.  Exercising regularly may improve your appearance, boosting your confidence and self-esteem opening doors to limitless opportunities.

At the practice some of the team only have time for running, some enjoy Yoga and Pilates, some like the physical workout of sailing and others enjoy powerlifting.  We have some regular gym-goers and the majority love to walk the expansive coastal paths, beaches and wide-open spaces of Dartmoor.  All the clinical team at the practice are happy to advise on exercise.  Please ask for further details on your next visit.