Reduces the risk of SARS
Do you want to be twice as sick as SARS and the common cold? Walk 40 minutes four times a week – and you will be twice as healthy. Moderate, and most importantly, regular physical activity increases the number and activity of the so-called killer cells – important “players” of the immune system.

Relieves Depression
Unfortunately, a relapse is possible in three out of four cases of depression. But, as the results of one study showed, those volunteers who during and especially after a depressive episode regularly engaged in physical exercises, depressive episodes were repeated less frequently. Moreover, during the illness itself, exercise reduced symptoms of depression as effectively as the antidepressant sertraline.

Prevents and treats osteoporosis
The risk of developing osteoporosis is sharply increased in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. But active actions associated with regular kicks to the ground (dancing, tennis, jumping) stimulate the formation of new bone cells, maintaining bone density.

Lowers blood pressure
Exercise lowers blood pressure to a safe level even if you have been diagnosed with hypertension or prehypertension. Physical activity reduces vascular stiffness and facilitates blood flow.

Reduces chronic pain
10 minutes of aerobic exercise – cycling, brisk walking or jogging – can significantly reduce chronic pain. This is most likely due to the release of natural painkillers called endorphins. According to a study in Sydney, exercise also raises the pain threshold.

Helps Prevent Multiple Cancers
A half hour walk 4 times a week reduces the risk of colon cancer by 25%. Regular physical activity is also associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and uterine cancer.

Relieves constipation
Regular aerobic exercise reduces the likelihood of constipation by 40%, as physical activity helps literally push food through the digestive tract.

Lowers blood sugar
Physical activity increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, helping them to use available insulin to process and absorb glucose. Thus, regular exercise not only helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, but also alleviates diabetes.

Helps fight addictions
The results of some studies show that exercise can help in short-term and long-term drug rehabilitation. So, those participants of the 12 Steps rehabilitation program who regularly went in for sports ended up refraining from drinking alcohol longer and eventually reduced the amount of alcohol they took regularly.

Relieves Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Another study confirmed a direct link between regular exercise and the relief of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. So, those patients who played tennis three times a week for an hour, bowling and boxing eventually showed an improvement in fine motor skills, as well as relief of symptoms of depression.

Helps Prevent A Stroke
Training, which leads to a short-term increase in heart rate, helps to reduce the risk of stroke by 20%. Just half an hour a day is enough to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Picture Credit: CATHY PHAM

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