Did you know that being physically active can improve more than just your muscular fitness? It’s true! Exercise has been shown to positively impact metabolism, digestion, and general well-being.
And best of all—regular physical activity can help improve or avoid various medical conditions. Here are some conditions that exercise can help with.
1. Heart disease.
In the United Kingdom, a quarter of all deaths are due to heart and circulatory diseases. These diseases are also huge problems across all of Europe. Regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease, and it is recommended that everyone should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
However, many people in the UK do not meet this target, and as a result, heart disease rates are high. There are several reasons for this, including lack of time, lack of motivation, and lack of knowledge about how to exercise safely. However, there are plenty of ways to make exercising more convenient and fun.
For example, you can join a gym or an exercise class, go for a walk or a run with a friend, or even use a fitness app on your phone. By making exercise part of your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
2. Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a serious health condition where the body cannot produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that manages blood sugar levels. If blood sugar rises to unhealthy levels, it can cause even more different medical problems. This includes heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Exercise indeed is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetes as it helps to keep the body at a healthy weight. In addition, it helps to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to prevent diabetes. Physical activity can help manage type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. So for people who are already living with diabetes, exercise can reduce the risk of complications.
3. Obesity.
In the UK, obesity is a growing problem, and even the number of children who are obese or overweight has also been rising in recent years. Many factors contribute to obesity, including poor diet and lack of exercise. However, research has shown that even small amounts of physical activity can significantly impact weight loss and management.
Several exercises can help people who are already obese to lose weight and improve their health. One such exercise is walking. Walking is a low-impact activity that can be done by people of all fitness levels, and it doesn’t require any special equipment.
Another great exercise for people who are obese is swimming. Swimming is an excellent way to get a full-body workout without putting stress on joints. In addition, swimming is a great way to cool off on hot summer days.
Finally, biking is another good option for people who are obese and looking to lose weight. Biking is a low-impact cardio workout that can be done at any pace, making it perfect for people of all fitness levels. With regular exercise, people who are obese can lose weight, improve their health, and feel great.
4. Scoliosis
In scoliosis, the spine curves to the side. It can occur as a result of congenital abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or simply due to bad posture. Though scoliosis is mild in most cases and does not require treatment. In some cases, the curvature of the spine can become severe, causing pain and difficulty with mobility.
To reduce the symptoms of scoliosis, try some effective exercises for scoliosis. Exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles can help to support the spine and improve posture. Likewise, stretching exercises can help to lengthen the muscles and reduce tension in the spine.
5. Depression and anxiety disorders.
Exercise is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety disorders—in some cases, it may even be as effective as medication! One theory is that exercise helps increase levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins. It may also help by providing a distraction from negative thoughts and assisting people to build a sense of accomplishment from reaching fitness goals.
There are countless reasons to make physical activity a regular part of your life—and improving your medical condition is one of them! If you have or are at risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, scoliosis, or depression/anxiety disorder, consider adding additional exercise to your weekly routine. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program to ensure it’s safe, given your unique medical history.
