According to a UN report, Americans rank 143rd out of 168 countries surveyed in physical fitness. Unfortunately, our bodies are not designed for a completely sedentary lifestyle. The need for daily activity is built into our framework and reflects our body’s natural inclination toward good health. Unfortunately, the average American adult sits for nearly 8 hours a day and sleeps for almost 8, which adds to 16 hours of sedentary activity. Clearly, the modern world can make developing healthy habits and practices difficult. Even though there are more resources than ever to promote a healthy lifestyle, stress, convenient fast food restaurants, couch potato workdays, and other conveniences make it challenging to maintain healthy habits.
Dieting can be challenging, but perhaps more complex than dieting, at first glance, is exercise. It requires discipline and effort. It makes us sweat and causes muscle pain. But despite what may seem like a disadvantage, exercise is incredibly beneficial. It can improve not only the quality of life but also its length. And here’s a little secret: a little exercise goes a long way. You don’t have to do too much. Standing instead of sitting can burn up to 60 extra calories an hour.
The best part about working out is just getting started. To help you through the process, check out some of the fantastic benefits of exercise from your certified personal trainers and registered dietitians at Total Health and Fitness.
- REDUCED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
According to the CDC, an American dies from heart disease every 36 seconds. Additionally, about $219 billion is spent annually to treat the disease. Heart disease, being the leading cause of death in our country, is a significant concern. Interestingly, the risk factors for this disease are largely avoidable. They include the following:
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
A simple but strategic exercise program can help prevent the adverse effects of this deadly disease. You have to start sooner rather than later.
- CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS.
When we move our bodies, we breathe harder, and our hearts beat faster. This causes our muscles to use more glucose, the sugar in our blood, as an energy source. Because our muscles use these blood sugar stores to lower our blood sugar levels. This, in turn, increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin, providing more excellent overall stability.
- SLEEP BETTER
Having trouble sleeping? Exercise may help. Charlene Gamaldo, MD, medical director of  the Johns Hopkins Sleep Center,  said, “We have compelling evidence that exercise does help you fall asleep faster and improves the quality of your sleep.” While researchers don’t fully understand its exact mechanism, there is a strong correlation between exercise and improved sleep.
- LIFT YOUR SPIRITS
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, epidemiological studies consistently report the benefits of exercise in reducing depression, the most common type of mental illness. After about 16 weeks of an aerobic exercise program, people with major depressive disorder showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms. This is due to both chemical and emotional factors. It’s no secret that exercise can lead to greater overall happiness.
- TRADE BAD WEIGHT FOR GOOD WEIGHT.
Although fats in the right amounts are fundamental to our health, we should avoid excess fat accumulation. It affects not only how we look but also how our body functions.
One of the most effective ways to eliminate stubborn fat is to build a muscle base underneath it. This makes your body more efficient at using unwanted fat stores: muscle is three times more efficient at burning calories than fat. So, working with a certified personal trainer to build muscle can be highly effective in helping you achieve your fat loss goals.
- INCREASE YOUR ENERGY
Exercise helps combat fatigue more effectively than your morning coffee, soda, or energy drink. Research shows that storing energy allows you to use more of it, giving your body more breath and energy at every turn. No wonder personal trainers and other fitness experts always seem so energized!
- INCREASE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE
We’ve all looked in the mirror and wanted to change something at one point or another. While negative self-perceptions can be harmful, a healthy desire for change can be beneficial. When you work toward a fitness goal, seeing results in the process will make you feel better about how you look. This increased self-confidence can impact many other areas of your life, giving you greater satisfaction.
- INSPIRE OTHERS
Health and fitness are contagious. When others see you losing weight, increasing your energy, improving your mood, and loving life a little more, they will want to do the same. Ultimately, this can lead to happier, healthier communities that support each other in achieving their goals. At Total Health and Fitness, our certified personal trainers and registered dietitians will inspire you so you can inspire those around you. Our mission is to bring more health and happiness to everyone. For more information about our resources and programs,  contact us today!
