Top 7 benefits of aerobic exercise
The importance of exercise in maintaining health and wellness cannot be overstated. One of the best ways to lead a healthier life is to include aerobic exercises in one’s routine. Aerobics is a group of exercises involving large muscle groups; it promotes oxygen circulation throughout the body. When customized, these exercises can be performed by anyone regardless of age and health status. So, here is all one should know about aerobics and its surprising benefits:
Benefits
We all know that exercising is good for the body and makes the heart and other organs healthier. Despite these known benefits, not many people exercise 150 minutes a week, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended. Further, according to the Lancet Health Journal, more than a quarter of adults around the world don’t get enough physical activity. This is why it is important to dedicate at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and aerobic exercise is the best way to get moving. The term aerobics is often used interchangeably with cardio. Here are some of its key benefits:
Maintaining brain agility
The advantages of exercise are not limited to physical health. Aerobics has a great impact on one’s brain power and cognitive performance. According to a report published by Frontiers in Psychology, physical exercise, including aerobics, induces structural and functional changes in the brain and helps increase the gray matter by improving the blood flow. This leads to better comprehension, learning, and memory. helps reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Mood regulation
There are several studies, including one by the Journal of Happiness Studies, that confirm the relationship between aerobics and a state of happiness. How does that happen? When one exercises, their brain releases several chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, often referred to as “stress relievers” or “happy hormones”. These hormones reduce stress and anxiety. When one exercises regularly, the hormones make the person more resilient to stressful events and help them recover from mood disorders faster.
Skin glow
Having youthful and beautiful skin is not usually associated with aerobics. However, exercise improves blood circulation, helping deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin. This makes the skin look clearer and healthier and also prevents premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes. Aerobic exercise can help nourish and vitalize skin cells, contributing to a glow.
Faster recovery
There is a link between the body’s ability to fight diseases and the amount of exercise one gets. This can be seen through the following two outcomes of exercising. First, aerobic exercise can improve one’s immunity by causing changes in the movement of white blood cells and antibodies. This helps the cells circulate faster and possibly detect infections quicker than they normally would. Second, exercise also supports recovery from a range of illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure, asthma, arthritis, and even certain types of cancers, by strengthening the organs, helping optimize health, and reducing joint stiffness.
Confidence boost
Confidence is the key to leading a well-rounded and productive life. Aerobics helps in enhancing one’s confidence as working out can make one feel that they have achieved something, giving people a sense of accomplishment and victory. Physical activity not only helps reduce stress and anxiety, but it also boosts one’s self-esteem, making them feel more motivated and confident.
Improved balance
It is common to experience injuries once in a while due to falling or losing balance. This is especially true for older adults over the age of 65. Aerobics can improve one’s balance and agility while also enhancing one’s gait and grip strength. This aspect of exercising reduces the risk of fractures or other serious injuries and disabilities.
Better sleep quality
If one is experiencing trouble sleeping, opting for aerobics is the best way to improve sleeping patterns. When one opts for any kind of cardiovascular condition exercise, it can tire them and make them fall asleep quickly. So, physical activity can enhance the sleep drive and prevent wakefulness. As aerobics also regulates mental health and reduces stress, it helps keep insomnia at bay.
Best aerobic exercises
Jogging and running are some examples of aerobic exercises that one can incorporate into their daily routine to improve health and well-being. Other popular aerobic exercises include skipping, walking, swimming, rowing, step routines, Zumba, and martial arts.
Aerobics is a safe and easy way to induce fitness and happiness in one’s life. Further, one does not require expensive equipment to do these exercises, and they are safe for people of all ages.