LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF WORKOUTS

Most of us consider the act of exercising as something that is taking us a step closer to our aesthetic goals. Once we reach a certain body weight or achieve a certain look, we tend to divorce ourselves from the exercise routines. A change in perspective about exercise and its long-term effects on our health will help us stay on track and commit ourselves to engage in physical activity forever.

Rather than focusing on the short-term benefits of exercise, let’s understand how it can impact our lives in the long run

1) Healthy ageing

Ageing is an inevitable process and no one can escape from it. What we have at our disposal is delaying the process and make it a healthier one. Physical activity will increase one’s quality of life by altering physiological mechanisms positively. Post the age of forty, make it a habit to exercise at least 45 minutes in a day.

2) Increased insulin sensitivity

Diabetes is a state where the cells become resistant to insulin and the blood glucose level rises. Studies have shown that resistance training can increase insulin sensitivity thereby delaying the onset of diabetes.

3) Increased bone mineral density

Fractures and other damages to the bone are very common as we age. Any form of weight-bearing activity will have a positive impact on the bone mineral density. Increased BMD provides immunity from falls and fractures in the long run.

4) Increases immunity power

Physical activity induces a lot of inflammatory responses in the body. Our immune system is constantly active to help us maintain a state of equilibrium by fighting the inflammatory responses. Over a period of time, our immune system improves its capacity to fight the foreign materials that may harm our system. Protection from autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term adaption to physical activity.

5) Better hormonal profiles

Hormones, as we all know plays a major role in the smooth functioning of our body. A drop in the values of hormones should be avoided at all cost. A long-term adaption to resistance training is that the hormones like testosterone, growth hormone and IGF-1 are kept at the required levels which in turn results in a better quality of life.

Make it a point to involve in physical activity every day and reap the benefits of a healthier life!

Abhinav. M