4 Things You Must Know About Physical Exercise

By: Mariana Martinez, Mariana Bernal and Sahra Chaustre 

Throughout our lives, we have constantly heard affirmations like; "Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health" or "Exercise is the perfect medicine for a healthy body and mind". Due to the popularity that exercise has gained in the last few years, different collective myths about its benefits have been spread, like the fact that exercise is only effective for weight loss, or that only young and "fit" individuals can benefit from it. However, have you ever stopped to think about the numerous advantages it has? Or perhaps research about real, scientifically proven benefits of physical exercise? If you haven't you are in the correct place, and if you are already informed come review some physical exercise benefits with us.

Control Weight 

Although, is the most obvious and recognized benefit, it is important to take into account how physical activity acts inside our bodies and what has to do with weight loss. 

Primarily, it helps to use oxygen, causing the body to burn stored fat which would help maintain a healthy and proper weight. Besides, it promotes the maintenance and growth of muscle mass, the fact that also increases the metabolic rate, great for weight control.

Likewise, controlling our body weight is fundamental not only for our appearance, but health reasons like improving cardiovascular health, which reduces the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure and supporting a healthy metabolic function that would avoid insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Brainpower 

One of the most underrated and unknown advantages of physical exercise is that it aids to boost blood flow to the brain, helping it receive more oxygen and nutrients that improve brain function. 

It has also been proven to improve aspects of cognitive function such as attention, information processing speed and skills like problem-solving and decision-making, therefore, the better shape you are in, the faster your brain will activate waves that are responsible for quick thinking. 

Besides, those who exercise their body are more likely to have a better memory and learning capacity, a recent study even associated physical activity with a 31% lower risk of dementia, as it indicates the Cleveland Clinic. 

Aerobic exercises like running, jogging, biking, swimming or dancing are the type of activities to focus on, since they use large muscle groups in a rhythmic manner, which is elemental. Including activities that challenge coordination and balance is the best way to contribute to brainpower.

Better Skin 

Another significant benefit is skin appearance. In the process of exercising oxygen in the body increases, therefore the skin will be better oxygenated, creating an increment in the natural production of collagen; the connective tissue that plums the skin.

Besides, circulation and delivery of numerous nutrients remove possible toxins and poisons in your skin, because the blood sugar levels are regulated. Becoming a good tool for combatting breakouts and a way to manage acne, as stated by Apple A. Bodemer, UW Health dermatologist.

Fun fact! Your skin color can improve after working out because of the rise in blood flow.

Addictions

Last but definitely not least, following a regular exercise routine helps maintain sobriety and prevent addictions or a possible relapse in them, since it provides a reliable routine, a way to manage mental health and higher self-esteem.

Recent studies of Danish pilot studies have proved that exercising curbs cravings, which increases the abstention rate because of oxygen and nutrients flow more frequently through the body. This nourishment causes the body to grow stronger and have a greater capacity to control itself. 

To sum up, physical exercise has numerous advantages different than weight loss or body image. More than 10 benefits are acting in your body at the same time meanwhile you exercise, and now you know a fraction of them. We have managed to understand how physical activity benefits our body weight which is fundamental for reasons different from appearance, like cardiovascular and metabolic health. And we definitely learned 3 unknown advantages; brainpower, better skin and the regulation and prevention of addictions. Now you have overcome some collective myths about physical exercise and I hope that if you exercise you continue doing it, you got this! and if you don't I hope this information has convinced you to start this wonderful journey of physical exercise. 

Thanks for reading!