Episode 10: Get Moving

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Show notes:
When most people think of exercise, they imagine things like running on a treadmill, aerobics, and weight lifting. Which is correct, yes, those are all examples of exercise. However, exercise is also so much more. If running on a treadmill has you feeling like a hamster on a wheel, there are other options. There are even hidden ways of getting exercise that don’t feel like exercise at all. 

Exercise is defined as “physical activity to sustain or improve health and fitness.”

Before we discuss ways of getting your body moving, let’s discuss the many benefits that increased physical activity can have on your life. You may be surprised to find out that it isn’t limited to weight loss. 

What are the benefits of exercise? 

Improves mood. 

Have you ever heard the term “runner’s high?” Ask anyone who has a regular exercise routine, they’ll all tell you how great they feel afterwards. Not only is there a sense of accomplishment, but there's a scientific reason why. When you exercise, you stimulate the natural endorphins in your brain. So you’ll get that “ahhhhhh” happy feeling when you’re done.

Improves sleep. 

Chances are you’ve been to a party, barbecue or beach where children are running around, hyper, having the best time. Parents usually make a comment about how well the children will be sleeping tonight. It’s true! Studies have shown that an increase in physical activity can be directly linked to the amount of slow wave sleep you get. Slow wave sleep refers to deep sleep, where the brain and body have a chance to rejuvenate. 

Decreases pain.

Maybe you’ve heard the term “A body in motion, stays in motion. A body at rest, stays at rest.” If you suffer from arthritis or some other painful physical ailment, you may equate movement with pain. However, making an effort to continue moving throughout the day can actually decrease your pain. *Please check with your Doctor to see if exercise is a good idea for your particular ailment.

Improves your cardiovascular health.

• Improving blood sugar and reducing risk of Type II diabetes, or improving DMII for those already diagnosed. A Cochran review comparing 14 randomized controlled trials with 377 participants showed a decrease in HgbA1c of about 0.6% with exercise
• Reducing blood pressure and triglycerides, decreasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Improves brain function.

Exercise improves blood flow to the brain which reduces inflammation, lowers the level of stress hormones and decreases the risk of cognitive impairment from dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Decreases fat tissue and increases muscle. 

The most obvious and well-known reason people exercise, the changes in physical appearance. Think of your body like a furnace. Exercising “ignites the furnace” and uses our stored fat as energy to fuel our physical activity. The more physical activity, the more fat is burned for fuel.