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Benefits of Physical Activity |
There are many, many benefits to regular physical fitness. Studies have demonstrated that even a minimum of 20 minutes/day, 3 times a week can have benefits. Currently, most experts recommend 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise three or four days a week, along with two or three days of weight-bearing, resistance exercise. With conflicting messages, it is difficult to know exactly how long/often….my solution…EVERYTHING COUNTS! Do not be discouraged, it can be done! Exercise can become part of your lifestyle!
Physical activity has endless benefits and once you start feeling just a few of them, you will be motivated and encouraged to continue!
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| increased life expectancy |
- improved ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues due to improved cardiac function
- decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer
- decreased risk of developing Type II diabetes
- control of blood pressure levels
- improved blood lipid profile
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| caridopulmonary improvement |
- helps decrease blood pressure and lower resting heart rate
- optimized blood cholesterol
- helps decrease total cholesterol levels and increase HDL "good" cholesterol levels
- decreased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
- research has found that weight training can increase spinal bone mineral density by 13 percent in six months
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| increased metabolism |
The more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn every day, not just when you are exercising. Adding muscle mass is the best way to help your body lose fat. Muscle is very metabolically active. That is, it burns more calories at rest and during exercise than any other tissue. As muscle mass increases, body fat will invariably decrease
Your metabolism slows as you get older! This is primarily due to a decrease in muscle tissue. After the age of 30, your body gradually begins to lose muscle. If your activity level stays the same and the amount of calories you eat stay the same, you will gain weight because your metabolism has slowed down. However, if you exercise with weights and do some type of aerobic activity on a regular basis, you probably won't notice much of a change in your metabolism as you age. |
| leaner total body |
Physical fitness increases your lean (fat-free) body percentage and decreases your body fat percentage. So, the more muscles you build from strength training, the more calories you will burn (even at rest). In addition, building muscles will also help keep your metabolic rate constant! |
| mental health benefits |
- relief of tension
- reduction in symptoms of stress
- improved sleeping habits resulting in decreased fatigue
- improved ability to concentrate
- improved appearance
- improved self-image and confidence
- improved quality of life
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| improved sleep patterns |
People who exercise tend to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. |
| increased anaerobic threshold |
This allows you to work or exercise longer at a higher level. |
| reduced symptoms of Menopause |
reduced hot flashes, irregular sleep and irritability |
| reduced risk of injury |
All forms of exercise, especially flexibility training help reduce the risk of injuries. |
 For a customized exercise program or more information to find out how to incorporate physical activity into your busy lifestyle CONTACT CARLY |
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