The main reason that people exercise is for weight loss and/or management. Exercise is more important than that, though. It is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and a good quality of life. Let’s take a quick look at the different ways exercise can help healthy individuals as well as people who suffer from different ailments.

1. Diabetes

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes can be prevented and controlled by healthy diet and exercise. The main attribution to this type of diabetes is body fat (and inactivity). If you exercise, you can reduce your body fat and control or eliminate the onset of this type of diabetes. The same goes for obesity and other illnesses associated with weight gain.

2. Body Pain and Osteoporosis

Weight-bearing exercises promote healthy, strong bones which can prevent illnesses like osteoporosis. In addition to that, your muscles will get stronger and by increasing that muscle strength, you will be less likely to suffer from back pain (and other aches and pains).

3. Better Mental Health

Studies have shown that exercise can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety in addition to being a healthy way of managing stress. Exercise helps make you more confident in yourself. It helps keep you focused in life. It can also help you keep your goals in perspective; not just physical goals but professional and personal goals as well.

It doesn’t take much to stay healthy and keep an active lifestyle either. due 30 minutes a day, five days a week is all it takes to stay active. Also, if you have a sedentary job (like if you sit at a computer all day), make sure that you get up and move at least once or twice an hour.

Image by "Mike Baird"