The Hidden Benefits of Exercise

The Hidden Benefits of Exercise

I just heard it again today from three differentpeople. "My energy level has improved dramaticallysince I started working with you. And regardless ofhow much weight of loss I've to this point, I feelincredible!"

I just love these kinds of comments from clients. Itreminds all of us how important regular physicalactivity and exercise is, regardless of its effect onour waistline.
So, I thought for today's topic, it would be fun tooutline what I'm calling "The Hidden Benefits ofExercise."

Here are four really juicy ones:

1. Exercise can actually improve your genes

Finnish scientists in a recent study found thatvigorous exercise modified two genes involved in TypeII diabetes and reduced the risk of developing thedisease, independent of changes in weight or diet.

2. Exercise will double your energy level

In research on older people, scientists have discoveredthat strength training for an hour twice per week foronly 6 months was enough to at least partially reversethe mitochondrial impairment and muscle weakness oftenpresent in older individuals. The mitochondria of the cells are the"energy generators" of the body.

3. Bigger Brains

Even newer research shows that regular exercise maycause your brain to grow new neurons. Just walking for3 hours per week has been shown to be enough toliterally "grow" the size of people's brains. And thebest part is that the part that grows, is the part mostinvolved in memory and cognition.

In general, regular exercise is excellent nutrition foryour entire nervous system. It heals reduce harmfulinflammation and also helps prevent tiny strokesthat can impair your ability to think clearly.

In addition, levels of beneficial neurotransmitterssuch as dopamine , serotonin, and norepinephrine arehigher in those who exercise. These, in turn, may helpreduce depression, elevate mood, and help you focusbetter.

4. Exercise makes you smarter

Especially in older individuals regular exercise hasbeen shown to improve memory, concentration in goingfrom one mental task to another, and focus on aparticular task - like driving for example :)

Kids who exercise have fewer problems with attentiondeficit disorder and they also learn faster. Which iswhy it make absolutely NO SENSE AT ALL to cut PhysicalEducation out of school curriculums!

Studies have actually shown that physical education inschools improves academic performance.
One study in particular performed by the Department ofEducation in California of more than 350,000 fifthgrade students found a direct correlation betweenphysical fitness and SAT scores.
It should be noted that only 1 state in the entirecountry mandates physical education and that isIllinois.