by Justine Deputy, RN, MSN
Over and over we hear about the benefits of exercise. It is good for our health. Many of us have good intentions to get into a routine and exercise, but sometimes it is hard to get into that rhythm. And often the less you work out, the less you feel like working out.
The American College of Nurse Midwives (2016) lists the following benefits of exercise:
- Lose or maintain weight
- Have more energy
- Sleep better
- Enjoy sex more
- Relieve stress and think better
- Lower the chance you will have heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Have fewer hot flashes if you are older
30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week can have a significant impact on your health (American College of Nurse-Midwives, 2016). Get it in where you can. It doesn’t have to be consecutive.
Personally, my favorite benefit of exercise is the impact on my mental health. A good workout makes the mind and the body feel good. Each person is different. Find what exercise fits your lifestyle. Find what you like. Set goals. Make a plan. Do it with a friend or family member. These all can increase the likelihood of succeeding in whatever you hope to achieve.
For more information about getting and staying active, you can find the article under primary health care here.
Reference
American College of Nurse Midwives. (2016). Getting and staying active. Retrieved from http://www.midwife.org/Share-With-Women