Why Exercise Can Help You Live a Longer and Healthier Life

You get it. You've heard it a million times. Yes, you should exercise. But it just seems like so much work, and you don't even know if it's worth it. Turns out, it is. Here's an explanation of why exercise can help you live a longer and healthier life.

Heart Health

One of the main reasons exercise is so important is heart health. Physical exertion directly affects the amount of cholesterol in your body.

There are two types of cholesterol: healthy HDL cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol. Exercise increases the amount of HDL and reduces the concentration of LDL in your blood, which makes you and your heart stronger. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America, so a tougher heart is essential to living a longer time.

Brain Health

A healthy body breeds a healthy mind. It's not just a cheesy saying! Exercise maintains your body's blood vessels, which lowers your chances of having a stroke. Plus, it's suspected that it can also reduce the risk of having Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.

Taking a nice run can also cut some weight off your metaphorical (and actual) shoulders. Physical exertion has been proven to deal with stress and can help ease depression and anxiety. Exercise distracts you from your daily worries, makes you sleep better, and lifts your mood. So, if you're feeling a little down, maybe do a couple push-ups or take a quick walk down the street to clear your head.

Weight Loss

A more visual benefit of exercise is weight loss. By working out your body you're slimming it down, which not only makes you look healthier, but also actually makes you better off. A smaller weight means less wear-and-tear on your body. Your joints are put under less pressure, which preserves them for a longer time. That's important if you want to live a longer and healthier life.

Not only that, a good workout strengthens your muscles as well, which takes even more pressure away from your important joints. Obviously, having good muscles means you can move around without any problems, and exert yourself for a greater amount of time without getting tired. No matter who you are, or what you do, that's a good thing!

Social Contact

If you start working out, you'll quickly find out you're not alone. A lot of people want to get healthier. This creates a culture where everyone supports each other and motivates one another to try harder.

Whether you take walks or do intense training at a gym, you'll likely meet new people and make friends. These social interactions are a really nice side-benefit of exercising and can keep you going even when you get tired or dejected.

Our bodies need to move and be tested to stay healthy. Training strengthens your muscles, your organs, and your mind. That's why exercise is so important, and that's why it can help you live a longer and healthier life. If you're seriously worried about heart disease, or you just want to lose some weight, you can't go wrong with physical activity. Just don't jump into anything crazy without consulting your doctor first.