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The human body is designed to be active throughout the day and regularly. 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.
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.
For this reason, any sport allows you to improve the ability to concentrate, memory, and, in general, all the cognitive abilities that influence the sensation 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, 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.
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 believed that increased respiration removes bacteria from the respiratory tract, reducing the risk of lung infections. Likewise, the antibodies and leukocytes that make up the immune system circulate at a higher speed during exercise, which allows them to detect and fight diseases more quickly and effectively.
7. Your weight under control
Aerobic exercise will help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight. You must combine exercise with a proper diet to prevent obesity. And most importantly, if you have a healthy weight, your self-esteem will rise, giving you the confidence to face the problems of everyday life.
A good option, if you want to follow a balanced diet, is to try Gullón’s Vitalday cookies, which are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or snacks.
8. You will have perfect skin
Does sport have benefits for our skin? Regular exercise stimulates blood flow, and the skin receives more nutrients, delaying the appearance of the first signs of aging. The skin is toned naturally, which has a positive impact on flaccidity and the appearance of wrinkles. Your skin will look clean and luminous, with a better tone. At the same time, by increasing your body temperature, sweating will help remove blackheads, if you have them.
Take a restorative shower at the end and you will eliminate all the substances that your body has expelled with sweat, and of course, rehydrate yourself to replenish lost liquids.
9. Helps in the treatment of chronic diseases
Those people diagnosed with chronic diseases must remain active. We may be reluctant to exercise for fear that the symptoms will worsen. But regular moderate exercise can even reduce pain and reduce the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Even in cancer patients, it can mitigate the side effects of medication and helps prevent loss of muscle mass.
10. Benefits of sport in children
And children? Is it good that they practice sports? Today it is more important than ever for children to be active to prevent childhood overweight. Physical activity in childhood has many physical and mental benefits, including healthy growth and development. But above all, it allows them to interact with other children. The sport will make them develop strong and healthy bones, and it will protect them from diseases that manifest themselves in adulthood.
