Top 5 Reasons to Exercise

You know that exercise is important and has several health benefits. However, there are hidden benefits of exercise that you may not be aware of. Here are the top 5 reasons to exercise:

Reason #1: To Reduce Pain Individualized, regular exercise (the kind prescribed by your physical therapist) is a great way to reduce muscle and joint pain. For example, strengthening your core can decrease persistent low back pain and you’ll protect yourself against future injury. It’s amazing how many people who are resigned to a life of chronic pain start to find relief after starting an exercise program provided by one of our experienced physical therapists. If you are not sure where to begin, we will be happy to assist you in the creation of a safe, effective exercise plan.

Reason #2: To Increase Muscle Tissue More muscle means more strength. Don’t confuse this with large, unsightly muscles. The point is that more strength allows you to complete your day to day tasks with ease. Imagine if simple things like walking, going up the stairs, picking up groceries, or playing with your children became easier and more enjoyable. What would that do for you on a daily basis? A well designed, progressive exercise plan helps tone and build muscle mass. Think of lean muscle tissue as ‘gold’ protecting your bones and joints and fat as ‘jelly’ or dead weight on your body.

Reason #3: To Drop Pounds of Fat The best benefit of exercise is fat loss. It is no secret that a combination of exercise and a balanced meal plan is the best known way to lose fat.

Reason #4: To Control Blood Sugar Regular exercise helps stabilize blood sugar levels. If you or someone you know has type 2 diabetes (or is at risk for type 2 diabetes) exercise will help your body to better utilize sugar since exercise positively impacts insulin sensitivity. A combination of weight loss and improved blood glucose control has several health benefits. You should consult your doctor before you begin any exercise with the intention to control your blood sugar.

Reason #5: To Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels Exercise helps your heart in 2 ways: 1. Weak heart muscles pump a relatively small amount of blood with each beat. Essentially, your heart is putting in a lot of effort with every beat. By exercising, you strengthen your heart muscles so they pump more blood with less effort; this decreases the pressure on your arteries. 2. Exercise increases HDL (the “good” cholesterol) levels in some people. This decreases your risk for heart disease. Other heart disease risk factors such as weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure also improve with regular exercise.