Mankind can be divided into two groups--those who exercise and those who don't.The numbers in the first group are slowly swelling.Some do it spontaneously & happily,some reluctantly,while some others are hounded into doing it by their doctors,their ever enlarging girths or their galloping blood sugars.But no matter how reluctant some of us might be to take up physical activity,the need for it is greater today than it ever was.All our gadgets & time saving devices combine to transform us into couch potatoes.Junk food & tinned stuff chime in to further damage our health;while every day stress takes it's toll on our mental equilibrium.
The various exercises & physical activities give us the following benefits:--
Endurance exercises include brisk walking,jogging,swimming,cycling,skipping,rowing,hiking,dancing or playing strenuous sports.
Strength exercises refer to lifting weights & using resistance bands.
Flexibility can be achieved through stretching exercises,yogic postures & aerobics.
Balance exercises are good for the aged & the infirm-these include standing on one foot,heel-to-toe walk & Tai Chi.
Improving Your Physical health through Exercise
*1 Melts excess fat,cuts obesity.
*2 lowers blood sugar-thus controlling diabetes.
*3 Perks up digestion.
*4 improves blood circulation.
*5 Strengthens muscles.
*6 Augments bone density.
*7 Improves joint mobility, thus curing joint pains.
*8 Strengthens heart,lowering risk of heart attacks.
*9 Enhances lung capacity.
*11 Regulates blood pressure-thereby lessening chances of high
B.P &strokes.
*12 Improves stamina & vigor.
*13 Betters athletic performance.
*14 Induces better sleep.
*15 Enhances immunity.
*16 Prevents falls & fractures.
Enriching Your Mental Health
*1 Lifts depression.Exercise augments the release of feel good
chemicals like serotonin,dopamine & endorphins-which are
natural pain killers & mood elevators.
*2 Burns up stress hormones adrenalin & cortisol.
*3 Abets social interaction.
*4 Increases self confidence.
*5 Improves self esteem.
*6 Takes mind off worries.
*7 Improves memory & cognition--see this site.
*8 Increases happiness.
Beginning a Physical Routine.
Those who want to start a physical routine can pick up whichever activity suits their requirement & inclination.It is best to start slow & warm up before going for harder exercises because while a physical regime has countless benefits ;it can also be harmful if done wrongly.
In the initial stages aim at small targets only.--strenuous activities will put you off.It is wise to exercise with a companion if possible.If you know your friend will be waiting for you to join him in his morning walk,you are more likely to shed lethargy & get cracking.
And lastly,results are slow in coming.Do not expect magic & be disheartened after a few days.If you persist for a length of time you yourself will feel the difference in your mind,body & soul;and then you will need no prodding to follow your exercise routine!
So Happy Sweating to All of You!!
You may also like to read http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2011/03/fit-and-fine-with-yoga-in-line
Pics from google.