Why is Exercise Important?
Exercise is one of the greatest things a person can do for their health. It helps lower the risk of developing disease, improves mood, and it can help boost energy (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Sometimes making the time to exercise can be difficult; jobs, school, and other commitments can easily take up most the day but, even making some of the simplest tasks a physical activity can be beneficial. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator the next you go to work.
It’s never too late to start!
A Closer Look: Exercise Helps Combat Disease
Exercising helps keep our heart pumping and blood flowing smoothly (CDC, 2021). It also helps reduce bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol in our bodies (CDC,2021). This combination keeps the risk of developing disease, such as cardiovascular disease, at bay (CDC, 2021). Exercise can also help reduce the likely hood of developing strokes, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and many types of cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
A Closer Look: Exercise Improves Mood
Physical activity causes the release of different chemicals
in our brain that can help improve mood (Mayo Clinic, 2021). The one we hear
about most often is dopamine; exercise can increase the release of dopamine
which can help improve your overall mood (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
A Closer Look: Exercise Can Boost Your Energy Level
Exercise helps deliver oxygen and other nutrients to your
brain, lungs, and tissues to help your heart be more efficient (CDC, 2021).
Physical activity also helps enhance your muscle strength and endurance (CDC,
2021). When your heart and lungs improve, you have more energy to go about your
day-to-day life (CDC, 2021).
What Kind of Exercise Should I Be Doing?
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise (The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology [CSEP], 2021). This is more commonly known as cardio and can include walking, running, cycling, or swimming. It is also recommended that adults do strength training at least twice a week and several light physical activities such as standing (CSEP, 2021).
Where Do I Start?
For those who have a gym membership, use it! Plan out your
day in advance and leave a block of time dedicated to the gym and exercise. The
St. Dennis and Forge Fitness Centre is also available to all students enrolled at
the University of Windsor.
You don’t need a gym membership to start your exercise
journey though, you can work out right at home. There are thousands of amazing
home workouts available on YouTube that incorporate body weight exercises to
help you get your muscles moving and heart pumping.
The University of Windsor has also been offering free
virtual fitness classes throughout the pandemic including yoga, cardio, and
strength training classes. Use the following link to sign up for any one of the
classes being offered:
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LancerRecreationVirtualClasses@uwindsor.ca/bookings/
References
Benefits of
Physical Activity. (2021). Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Retrieved on January 27, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
Exercise: 7
Benefits of Regular Physical Activity. (2021). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on
January 27, 2022 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
The Canadian 24-Hour
Movement Guidelines for Adults. (2021). The Canadian Society for Exercise
Physiology. Retrieved on January 27, 2022 from https://csepguidelines.ca/guidelines/adults-18-64/