Did you know that Americans spend an average of six-and-a-half to eight hours sitting down every day?
This trend toward sitting down happens for many reasons, including working at a desk or binge-watching our favorite shows. However, there’s one thing in common with sedentary lifestyles — negative health benefits.
Chosing inactivity for most of the day is linked to various chronic diseases including multiple types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more.
You don’t need to let inactivity take over your life!
Moderate to intense exercise releases hormones like dopamine and endorphins that make you feel good, but adding more movement to your day goes beyond feeling better. Incorporating more movement into your daily habits is an excellent way to take control of your life and prevent chronic diseases.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical activity and how you can add more of it to your routine.
Physical Activity Improves Your Mental Health
CDC research has found that physical activity significantly impacts mental health. These mental health benefits include reduced anxiety, improved memory, and better problem-solving skills.
This mental boost comes from a combination of the hormones we just mentioned and increased blood flow to the brain. Dopamine, in particular, feeds your reward circuits, which makes you feel more accomplished and reduces anxiety.
Moving More Helps You Maintain a Healthy Weight
Keeping a healthy weight can be challenging at times, but it’s much easier when you include around 30 minutes of moderate physical activity into your day. This doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym. Choosing the stairs instead of taking an elevator, going for a walk in the park rather than watching another episode of your favorite show, or doing yard work add up and are great options to keep your weight down.
You Can Strengthen Your Bones and Muscles With Regular Exercise
Including regular exercise in your routine can have massive benefits for your overall strength and health. Stronger bones and muscles decrease your risk of future injury and can also make daily activities easier.
Participating in regular workout classes or lifting weights are two excellent ways to boost your muscle growth and increase bone density to give you a stronger, healthier future!
Regular Activity Decreases the Risk of Chronic Diseases
As we mentioned earlier, inactivity can increase your risk of chronic diseases. The good news is that physical activity decreases those risks!
People who participate in 150 minutes of vigorous exercise a week are far less likely to develop chronic diseases, including:
- Heart disease and strokes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Bladder, breast, and colon cancer
Additionally, choosing a more active lifestyle can help your body fight off illness. Doctors have even found that regular activity helps decrease the symptoms of COVID-19.
You Can Live Longer With the Help of Increased Physical Activity
That’s right. Not only does moving more make you feel better, but it can also help you live a longer, fuller life.
According to a published study from JAMA Internal Medicine, moving for as little as ten more minutes a day could prevent over 100,000 early deaths a year!
How Can You Unlock the Benefits of Physical Activity?
We believe the first (and easiest) way to gain the benefits of physical activity is to incorporate more movement into your life. Simple things like choosing a parking space further from the store or finding a way to stand at your desk instead of sitting go a long way.
Once you get used to adding more activity to your daily routine, increase your exercise level. We strongly suggest finding a place to participate in group exercise sessions that hold you accountable for your workout goals.
The best routine is one that fits into your life, not the other way around. Finding ways to increase movement that doesn’t disrupt your schedule is the key to unlocking a healthier, longer life.
Choose Fit Body Boot Camp to Boost Your Levels of Physical Activity
At Fit Body Boot Camp, we want you to live your healthiest life. That’s why we offer Nutrition Coaching as well as a proven workout that’s only 30 minutes!
Our group classes led by our dedicated fitness coaches are here to increase your confidence in exercise. It doesn’t matter if you are just beginning your fitness journey or have been working out for years — we’re here to help you grow.
Visit a Fit Body Boot Camp near you to become a part of our community!
