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Of course exercise allows you to build up, tone up, slim down and control
your weight. But what about the lesser-known benefits of exercise. This
month we present you with 8 alternative reasons to exercise.
Exercise boosts our immune system. People who exercise have a higher concentration
of white blood cells than non-exercisers. White blood cells help to combat
colds, flu and other airborne viruses.
Not only does exercise increase blood circulation and promote the flow of
nutrients to the skin and muscles. Also an exercise program based around
fitness and flexibility will enhance posture and make the exerciser appear
younger than their years.
Research indicates that physically fit people, on average, score better
than non-exercisers in test of short-term memory. Regular exercise may also
lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.
Regular exercise increases alertness, agility, balance and coordination.
These positive attributes translate into less work, home and road based
accidents.
Exercise aids blood flow … everywhere! Improvements in fitness equals
improvements in oxygen uptake, red blood cell circulation and the ability
to control penile blood flow.
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UK Olympic rowers Foster, Pinsent, Cracknell and Redgrave ate over 6000
calories a day during their pre-competition training schedule. Why? Simply
because they exercised enough to burn the calories they ate. Although your
average recreational exerciser may not burn this amount of daily calories,
they will still need to eat more than a non-exerciser in order to train
hard and regularly.
Exercise improves oxygen transportation to the brain. Increased levels of
oxygen carrying blood cells in the brain will boost the power of your mind
- aiding focus, alertness, relaxation and clear thought.
Certain exercise (resistance work, yoga, Pilates, swimming) aids the development
of strong spinal muscles. This will not only improve posture, but it will
also means that the exerciser runs a lesser risk of developing temporary
or chronic back problems.
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