We all know that physical activity helps control weight and improves mental health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that as little as 30 minutes of exercise per day, 5 times per week, can help you maintain or lose weight (dependent upon your goals), helping you to feel better. But did you know that there are a multitude of other benefits to moving everyday?
- Exercise and physical activity are great for the body in so many ways. Paired with a healthy diet, physical activity helps control weight gain and helps to prevent obesity. In order to maintain a healthy weight, the calories from the food you eat and drink, should equal the calories or energy you burn. In order to lose weight, you need to be physically active and burn more calories than you ingest.
- Exercise also strengthens your heart and improves circulation. A strong heart increases blood and oxygen flow, which not only lowers blood pressure, but also lowers your risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.
- Being active also allows the body to build and maintain strong bones. This is a benefit to both young athletes (who need strong bones and muscles to perform) and older adults (who are more prone to osteoporosis and bone breaks). Research shows that doing balance and muscle-strengthening activities can reduce the risk of falling, another benefit to those older participants.
- The mental health benefits to working out regularly are also countless. During exercise, chemicals are released by the body that improve your mood and help you deal with stress. The proteins released during exercise have been proven to enhance the structure and function of the brain. This improved ability to deal with life’s stressors decreases the possibilities of depression and other stress-related mental health issues.
- Working out and keeping active also allows the body to sleep better. This means you wake up more refreshed, more willing to do it all over again the next day. It’s a healthy cycle of improving your physical status.
Here's exciting news - City employees can sign up for a COR Fitness Membership. Explore a discounted membership to the Roseville Sports Center and Mike Shellito Indoor Pool. Memberships are available for both you and your family.
So, you may ask what should I be doing to reap all these rewards that physical activity has to offer? The HHS recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week with strength training 2 times per week. An easy way to accomplish your physical activity goals is to join a gym or your local recreational center. The City offers a wide variety of activities and locations to get you physically fit. So, take a step today toward better health and fitness!
This blog post author, Joan Hoffman, is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor for the City.
Joan has been teaching group fitness classes for 18 years. Currently, Joan teaches Dance Fit, Cardio, Strength, Tone and Cycle classes at the Roseville Fitness Center. Joan also enjoys running and biking and recently finished her 6th Half Marathon in April. Joan is also a full-time Credentialed Teacher and works with students in grades K-12. She is responsible for making sure her students are learning all subjects, but also tries to instill in them a love and passion for fitness.