Benefits of regular physical activity

We’ve all heard it many times before—regular exercise is good for you and it can help you lose weight. But if you’re like many Americans, between busy work weeks, family activities, and other obligations so far in 2020, you haven't had the chance to change your exercise habits yet. The good news is that it's never too late to start!

You can start slowly, finding ways to fit more physical activity into your life. It may seem daunting at first, but the payoff is completely worth it. You will feel better and more energized, lessen the chance of developing common health conditions, and likely even add years to your life in the long run.

Low to moderate intensity exercise for as little as 30 minutes a day can be super beneficial. These activities include: 

• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Yard work
• House work
• Dancing

More vigorous activities are best for improving the fitness level of your heart and lungs. These activities need to be done 3-4 times a week for 30-60 minutes a day. Regular vigorous activity increases your capacity for exercise. It also helps lower your blood pressure and prevents heart disease and even certain cancers. These activities include:

• Running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Playing tennis

The benefits from regular exercise include: 

• Improves blood circulation throughout the body
• Keeps weight under control
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Prevents or manages high blood pressure
• Prevents bone loss
• Boosts energy levels
• Releases tension
• Improves sleep
• Improves self image
• Helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression
• Increases muscle strength
• Increases endurance

It's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting your physical activity program if:

• You're over 45-years-old
• Physical activity causes pain in your chest
• You often faint or have spells of severe dizziness
• Moderate physical activity makes you very breathless
• You are at higher risk for heart disease
• You think you might have heart disease, or you have known heart problems
• You are pregnant

West Jefferson Fitness Center offers a wide variety of fitness classes and wellness services as well as personal training, microdermabrasion sessions, and massage therapy. Whatever your health needs or fitness goals may be, West Jefferson Medical Center has the resources and equipment to help you get there. For information about membership rates, call 504-276-2081 or stop by for a tour!

About Christina:

Christina is the Wellness Manager at West Jefferson Fitness Centers, where she has been employed for the last 15 years.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Masters of Education in Health. In her free time, she enjoys distance running and all things health and fitness.

To find out about West Jefferson Fitness Center memberships, or to schedule a tour, call 504-276-2081.