Being physically active is a key element in living a longer, healthier, happier life. It can help relieve stress and provide an overall feeling of well-being. Physical activity can also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk for chronic disease. The benefits of physical activity may include:
- Improved self-esteem and feelings of well-being;
- Increased fitness level;
- Development and maintenance of strong bones, muscles, and joints;
- Prevented weight gain
- Increased endurance and muscle strength;
- Enhanced flexibility and posture;
- Weight management skills;
- Lowered risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes;
- Controlled blood pressure;
- Reduced feelings of depression and anxiety.
Physical activity and nutrition work together for better health, especially following an operation like lap band surgery. Being active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism slows, so maintaining your energy balance requires moving more and eating less.
While 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity physical activities provide health benefits, being active for longer or doing more vigorous activities can yield even greater health benefits. If your goal in addition to weight loss is to improve your overall health, you may want to consider adding exercise to your daily routine. Even the simplest thing, like parking further away from a store you’re going into, can get you exercising.
Learn more about exercise and physical activity at our forum.
