It is well known that exercising regularly is beneficial but majority is not actively engaged in any exercise activity. Some may even avoid it. What could be the reason if the benefits of exercise is plenty but still people choose not to do it? Is it because people don’t understand the specific benefits? Or it is because health can wait?
The needs and importance in maintaining a good health may more serious than we know. Have you ever ask yourself what would you be in the next 10 to 20 years? Will you still have the strength to offer the best to your loved ones?
According to MOH and WHO, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer have costed the Malaysian economy upwards of RM 8.91 billion.
The economic cost was estimated from the productivity losses due to absence and billable time in the workplace in Malaysia.
Obesity increases the risk of heart diseases
Besides being in good shape with toned body, many more health benefits can be obtained from exercising regularly. Obesity is responsible for most non-communicable diseases. It is reported that obesity increases risk of heart diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
These diseases have largely affected the life span and the quality of life of our population. They reduces the number of years a person with NCDs in healthy and productive conditions. It increases the number of years spent in morbid condition. Being sick and not being able to conduct basic lifestyle activities is no fun.
Although NCDs may not be reversible however, obesity is reversible. It is never too late to engage in an active lifestyle as it can also help to improve certain NCD conditions.
How does exercising regularly help with these issues?
One of the benefit of exercise is improving muscular activity. In particular, it could lead to improve insulin reception sensitivity. As a result, it improves muscular activity that enables the body to regulate blood glucose more effectively.
Furthermore, cardiovascular exercises are beneficial for the heart and cardio respiratory health. Not only resulting in better stamina but also improve blood pressure regulation. Including exercise in your daily routine helps the body to burn more calories. At the same time pairing up with a healthy eating habit, weight loss can be achieve.
Research done and proven that for every kilogram of weight loss, there was a 16% reduction in risk in getting diabetes. A weight loss of 5 to 10% is associated with significant reduction in cardiovascular risk factor.
For that reason these are no small benefits and they are the ones that can change a person’s life to live healthier life for longer period.
More benefits for regular exercise
Other than physical health benefits, exercising regularly also improves self-esteem. Lacking of physical fitness and gaining unwanted body weight have largely reduced our self-confidence before we know it.
Sub-consciously, we have a growing conscious of not liking how we look and not being able to perform certain physical activities as expected.
In addition, such series of failures cumulatively reduces our confidence. When you begin to get in shape and lose weight with your exercise routine, you will automatically feel better about yourself and work even harder on your healthy routine.
Especially when you continuously achieve small physical achievements such as improved strength and flexibility.
The new beginning!
For many people, this is the beginning of a whole new way of living. Even if you don’t begin with a healthy diet, the restoration of your self-esteem and the boost to your self-confidence will inspire you.
Confidence is one of the most attractive qualities that a person can have. After all, people who are confident hold themselves taller and are not afraid to try new things.
This can make you more attractive than the smaller size and weight loss that you will experience from your exercise routine.
All these benefits can be use by including exercise in your daily schedule. Even if you have not exercised for a long period of time, you can start off with simple exercise routine and slowly work your way up.
Start by setting the frequency of exercising a week and set specific day(s) of the week to conduct them, choose activities that you like best among various types of exercises. Dance, if that is what you enjoy.
Images are courtesy of Unsplash & Real Fitness.