In case you need more motivation to hit the gym, remember that the benefits of exercise go beyond just weight loss
The joke is that the gym has become the cause of a polarity for certain people: you either love it or hate it, live in it, or loathe it. But no matter your opinion, you have to admit: the gym is good for you! Its benefits are multi-faceted and have been proven time and time again.
The aphorism “different strokes for different folks” rings true in this situation. Plenty of experts say it is important to enjoy the experience of exercise before one can succeed in gaining its benefits. Two popular exercises include strength training and cardiovascular exercise, sometimes known as aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is done to increase heart rate whereas strength training is designed to increase lean muscle tissue. While both have different aims, they are equally advantageous and come with their own set of benefits.
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A Runner’s High: The Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular disease is on the rise. In 2019, it was reported by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to have been one of the top five causes of death in the country. This information does not serve to strengthen fear, but rather to motivate. After all, even low-intensity exercises performed daily can have long-term health benefits.
Weight loss a given, this type of exercise has plenty of benefits. It staves off fatigue by improving the body’s ability to take in and effectively utilise oxygen. Muscle groups targeted during cardiovascular exercise also adapt and become stronger, making daily movements easier. This type of exercise also helps build lung capacity, which is advantageous to those with chronic lung problems such as asthma.
Perhaps one of the best things about this exercise is that not only has it been proven to be helpful in the prevention of certain diseases (such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease), but it’s also proven to be beneficial for those who have already been diagnosed. Cardiovascular exercise helps with the maintenance of blood sugar. A study has also shown that those diagnosed with heart disease were able to return to work quicker and feel better after incorporating more aerobic exercise into their routine.
On a psychological level, cardiovascular exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety. If you’ve ever heard of or experienced a runner’s high, you’ll know what we mean. But the mental benefits are more than just a feeling, there’s a neurochemical explanation for it. Exercise reduces stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol while upping the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. This is doubly advantageous to people with mild depression or who are going through stressful life changes.
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