Benefits of Aerobics
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Dec 16, 2020 • 3 min Read
Aerobics can be defined as the form of physical exercise that combines stretching exercises along with rhythmic aerobic exercise. It includes swimming, running, cycling, etc.
Increased physical activity helps in controlling weight, raising good cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and risk of diabetes and some types of cancer. Physical activity also improves psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem.
Here are some of the reasons why aerobics is recommended, from Healthline:
1. Improves cardiovascular health
Aerobic exercise is recommended by the American Heart Association and by most doctors to people with or at risk for heart disease because exercise strengthens your heart and helps it more efficiently pump blood throughout the body.
2. Lowers blood pressure
Cardiovascular exercise may help you manage symptoms of high blood pressure because exercise can help lower blood pressure.
3. Helps regulate sugar blood
Regular physical activity helps regulate insulin levels and lower blood sugar, all while keeping body weight in check. In a study on people with Type 2 diabetes, researchers found that any form of movement, either aerobic or anaerobic, may have these effects.
4. Reduces asthma symptoms
Aerobic exercise can help people with asthma lessen both the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. You should still talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine if you have asthma. They may recommend specific activities or precautions to help keep you safe while working out.
5. Reduces chronic pain
If you have chronic back pain, cardiovascular exercise specifically low-impact activities, like swimming, may get back muscle function and endurance.
6. Aids sleep
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try cardiovascular exercise during your waking hours. A study on individuals with chronic sleep issues revealed that a regular exercise program combined with sleep hygiene education is an effective treatment for insomnia.
7. Regulates weight
You may have heard that diet and exercise are the building blocks to weight loss but aerobic exercise alone may hold the power to help you lose weight and keep it off. Cutting calories in addition to aerobic exercise can reduce the amount of exercise needed to lose the same amount of weight.
8. Strengthens the immune system
The research found that regular and moderate aerobic exercise increases certain antibodies in the blood called immunoglobulins, which ultimately strengthens the immune system.
9. Improves brain power
Did you know that the brain starts losing tissue after you reach age 30? Scientists have uncovered that aerobic exercise may slow this loss and improve cognitive performance. Aerobic exercise does the body and brain good.
10. Boosts mood
Moving your body may also improve your mood. In a study, individuals with depression walked on a treadmill doing intervals for 30 minutes per session. After 10 days, they were asked to report any changes in their mood. All participants reported a significant reduction in their symptoms of depression. These results suggest that engaging in exercise, even for a short period, may have a big impact on the mood. Even a single exercise session may be enough to give you a boost.
11. Affordable and accessible
You don’t need any fancy equipment or a gym membership to work out. Getting daily exercise can be as easy as taking a walk around your neighborhood or going for a jog with a friend on a local trail.
Regardless of age, weight, or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. Indeed, it can help you live longer and healthier. Go get moving and start reaping its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
