...other than losing weight or fat that is...
(sometimes we tend to get hung up with the 'lose weight' benefit of exercise...what about the OTHER benefits?)
There IS more to consider in the benefits of aerobic cardiovascular exercise (or for that matter, anaerobic exercise such as weight training) than just fitting into a smaller size of jeans. As I've gotten older (my early-to-mid 40's) I've become more aware of the OTHER benefits of cardiovascular exercise.
I have two strikes against me: A history of heart problems and high blood pressure on my father's side of the family (all 7 siblings have had heart 'issues' including my dad), and a history of breast and cervical cancers on my mom's side (including my mother herself, who is a breast cancer survivor). In addition, I would rather not be one of the unfortunate sufferers of osteoporosis and other debilitating 'aging' diseases.
Well guess what - the
LWL trinity of nutrition, weights and CARDIO helps to prevent cancer.
As far as reducing the risk of heart attacks and heart problems - The American Heart Association HIGHLY endorses regular aerobic exercise (moderate or vigorous) to keep your heart healthy, and
has a slew of suggestions and tools on their website.
Here are some additional benefits of aerobics...
· Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
· Improvement in cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory function(heart and lungs)
· Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute)
· Increased maximal stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat)
· Increased blood volume and ability to carry oxygen
· Reduced workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given submaximal exercise intensity
· Increased blood supply to the muscles and ability to use oxygen
· Lower heart rate and blood pressure at any level of submaximal exercise
· Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation
· Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
· Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Regular exercise raises the level of "good" cholesterol and lowers the level of the "bad" cholesterol.
· Decreased blood triglycerides
· Reduced body fat and weight control
· Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance, reducing the risk of diabetes
· Weight bearing exercises help fight osteoporosis. Regular exercise delays bone loss and promotes bone formation.
And strength training benefits...
· Increased muscular strength
· Increased strength of tendons and ligaments
· Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
· Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)
· Potentially decreases resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure
· Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
· Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults
Daily physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke by strengthening your heart muscle, lowering your blood pressure, raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (good cholesterol) and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol), improving blood flow, and increasing your heart's working capacity.
Regular physical activity can reduce blood pressure in those with high blood pressure levels. Physical activity also reduces body fat, which is associated with HBP.
By reducing body fat, physical activity can help to prevent and control noninsulin-dependant diabetes.
Physical activity helps to reduce body fat by building or preserving muscle mass and improving the body's ability to use calories. Combined with proper nutrition, physical activity can help control weight and prevent obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases.
By increasing muscle strength and endurance and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain.
Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation and may prevent many forms of bone loss associated with aging such as Osteoporosis.
Regular physical activity can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Researchers also have found that exercise is likely to reduce depression and anxiety and help you to better manage stress.
Regular exercise helps keep joints flexible and helps build muscle to support the joint, reducing arthritis symptoms.
Exercisers feel sick almost 30% less often than non-exercisers.