Fit for life: the transformative power of exercise and strategies to a great workout Benefits of exercise, consistency, moderation, and suggestions to begin

Malaz Dhirar

A healthy mind in a healthy body, an ancient proverb that continues to be proven to this day. This is known as the mind-body connection, where psychological and physical needs impact each other and it's very important to achieve a balanced life. That’s where exercise can come in handy. 

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain health and wellbeing. Its range of benefits extends from strengthening muscles and bones, to improving sleep and cognitive functions. Regular exercise can be worth its weight in gold if done right. It may not be easy but things worth doing tend to be that way. The fact is, exercise has the power to change a person’s life. 

Benefits of exercise 

While people may dismiss exercise for any number of reasons, the fact is people young and old alike stand to benefit from exercise. The way to gain the most from it would be to exercise in moderation, making sure to keep a good pace and not overdo it. Too much exercise can actually be harmful and in extreme cases, even cause injuries. Just getting a few minutes in everyday can work wonders in the long run (1)(2). 

The benefits of exercise include;

1- Weight control; perhaps one of the most known benefits of all, exercise burns calories, the more calories, the more weight lost. 

2- Energy boost; regular exercise helps strengthen muscles and bolster endurance by getting the blood flowing. 

3- A ward against depression; exercise is a good way to fight against depression as it gets the brain to release hormones that help people feel relaxed (3). 

4- A means to lower risk of disease; exercise can ward off or manage a number of conditions. Such as stroke, anxiety and arthritis. 

5- A way to have fun and be happier; exercise doesn’t have to be grueling, hard work for it to be any good. A simple walk or even a few routine stretches at home can make a person feel joy while becoming stronger.

Strategies for exercise

Whether at home or the gym, there are a good number of ways to exercise and have fun doing it. It’s a good idea to try sneaking in a bit of time for a workout for people to adapt it to their everyday routine. Some means to facilitate that are (3)(4); 

1- Swimming; it builds muscles and endurance while boosting flexibility. 

2- Cycling; this burns a good number of calories while sharpening the mind. 

3- Using the stairs instead of an elevator. 

4- Horse riding; it boosts many benefits like coordination, fit posture, flexibility, and stress relief. 

5- Indoor exercises; exercises from one’s own home like crunches and squats and much more.

Despite the challenges, incorporating exercise can be a worthwhile endeavor. A little commitment and perseverance can lead to much gain. Exercise is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered for those who are willing to try seeking it.