Benefits of Exercise

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released guidelines stating that adults gain substantial health benefits "from engaging in 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity." Now, now...when you break it down that's only 30 minutes a day for 5 days. Totally doable, right?

I know, I know. You work. You have kids. You're too old. You're too young. You'll start next week. You don't have time. You travel. Your big toe hurts. Get the picture?? We all do it. We all come up with excuses as to why we can't, or won't, exercise. I do it, too. Even as a fitness professional I go through phases where I just don't want to. But I always get back on track after some time off.

In this post I want to show you some benefits to regular physical activity for children & adolescents as well adults & older adults:

Children and Adolescents:

- Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness

- Improved bone health

- Favorable body composition

- Reduced symptoms of depression

Adults and Older Adults:

- Lower risk of: early death, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer

- Prevention of weight gain

- Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness

- Better cognitive function

- Prevention of falls

These benefits to exercise should be enough for us to push past the excuses. Have kids? Take them on a walk. Take turns jump roping. (Make sure you video this family event for good laughs to look back on.) Don't have time? Make time. You'd make time for something else if you needed to. (And we're talking about your health here...you need to make time for that!) You're too old? Nah. Age is just a number. Sure you may not be doing burpees or box jumps, but walking and light stretching is doable! Oh, you travel? There are plenty of exercises you can do that require no equipment...and....you could do them in your hotel room.

See? It is possible to overcome your excuses! And hopefully these benefits I've shared have inspired you to, at least, start somewhere. Whether it's 5 minutes a day or 15 minutes a day- any exercise is better than no exercise. And trust me- you're future self and you're family will thank you for taking care of yourself.

**As always, make sure you are cleared by your physician for regular exercise.