The human body is designed to be active throughout the day and on a regular basis. The benefits of sport for physical health have been shown, such, for example, it improves muscular resistance, flexibility, and reduces pain, etc… But there is also an improvement in mental well-being, it promotes improved self-esteem, enhances concentration, and increases optimism.
In fact, doctors say that the benefits of sports are essential for a healthy life. For this reason, it is necessary that both children and adults, regardless of their age, perform physical activity routines. However, it is very important to be clear about the possibilities of each one, adapting the exercises to age and physical condition. In this way, annoying injuries will be avoided.
The 10 benefits of sport
We are going to give you ten important reasons why you should incorporate an exercise routine into your life. Your body and your mind will thank you not only in the short term, but also bring you multiple benefits for your future, even preventing many diseases.
1. Strengthens muscles and bone density
The practice of exercise helps in the development of bone density, avoiding the appearance of osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones lose density, becoming weak, fragile, and porous.
Likewise, muscle mass is lost as the years go by, so it is important to exercise the strength, resistance, and flexibility of the muscles and all the joints of our body.
2. You will reduce the risk of premature death
Not exercising increases the risk of early death. Regular physical activity strengthens our hearts and improves cardiovascular health. This implies, even in the short term, the reduction of diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
But not only that, slowing down the cellular aging process -due to increased oxygenation of the body- in the long term it will bring you the greatest benefit, you will live longer.
3. Increased ability to concentrate and memory
Millions of neurons are found in the brain, their connection occurs through a type of hormone called neurotransmitters. When we exercise we are stimulating the production of these compounds that control a large part of our mental state. Most of these substances are socially known, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
Therefore, any sport allows you to improve the ability to concentrate, memory, and in general all cognitive abilities that influence the feeling of physical and mental well-being.
And not only does this happen, but by increasing the flow of oxygen that reaches the brain, brain cells are activated, potentially preventing the onset of diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
4. You will live without stress
Do you want to leave stress behind? If you follow a sports routine -30 minutes a day are enough- levels of anxiety, stress, apathy, and anguish are significantly reduced. In the same way, it is possible to improve negative and depression-prone moods. You will feel relaxed, free of all tension and you will be able to regain control of your mind.
The explanation for this relief is that exercise releases endorphins -also called happiness hormones- that produce a feeling of satisfaction. In addition, by feeling good about yourself, increases self-esteem and helps you promote your social relationships, reducing social isolation.
5. You will sleep better
When exercising, the body fatigues, so the quality of sleep improves, being deeper and more restful. Another of the mechanisms that allow us to sleep better is the secretion of hormones through physical exercise, which helps to relax the body and mind, favoring sleep.
Taking these recommendations into account, however, it is important that you do not do any physical activity just before going to bed -especially if it is high-impact-, instead of relaxing, the effect would be the opposite. If you want to know more about the best time to practice sports, you can consult our article. The practice of sports is an effective and accessible treatment for insomnia, and the next day you will wake up with more energy.
When is the best time to do sports?
6. Strengthen your defenses
Although it may seem incredible, moderate physical activity will help you strengthen your immune system. This situation will result in being more resistant to any type of disease, especially in young and old people. However, strenuous exercise increases the chance of getting more infections due to stress on the body.
The exact causes of the increase in defenses are not known. However, it is considered that through the increase in respiration, the
