Why Physical Exercise is Vital for a Healthy Brain and Body. Physical fitness through exercise is one of the most common pieces of advice offered by medics across the planet. There are many benefits of exercising when done correctly. Some of the most common include improved blood flow, general body fitness, weight loss, and stress relief. This video seeks to focus on some of the direct benefits of physical exercise to the brain and the body. 1 Boost The Memory Studies conducted on the hippocampus among children, adults and the elderly showed that the brain structure grew after aerobic exercise. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that holds the memory, and therefore crucial for learning abilities. 2 Improve Concentration Exercise improves the ability to focus on one task, ignore distractions, and also hold and manipulate information. Aerobic exercises improve retention among students, and therefore crucial for children, adults and even the elderly. As well 3 Improve Mental Health Physical exercise is a great mood enhancer. The feeling of elation experienced after exercise is real and should be used as an alternative stress reliever. A 2010 study conducted for eight weeks showed a significant decrease in the amygdala after yoga and meditation. The amygdala is the part of the brain that is implicated in processing stress, fear and anxiety. 4 Slowing Cognitive Decline Physical exercise delays the onset of mental wear and tear, and dementia, especially among the elderly. It pays to exercise early in life to avoid mental illnesses that come with old age. A study published on Neurology suggested that women who were physically fit in their middle ages were 88% less likely to develop dementia than their peers who were only moderately fit. 5 Physical Fitness and Weight Loss A study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that an active exercise training program was ideal for reducing weight and improving physical fitness among obese children. The effects were possible even without a change in dietary composition. 6 Protection of the Body against Age-related Decline According to a study published in the Journal of Aging Research suggests that physical activity maintained throughout life is accompanied with a lower risk of developing chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases associated with chronological ageing. 7 Improved Heart and Lung Health When done on a regular basis, physical activity, both moderate and intense, lowers the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscles and their ability to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The lungs automatically pick up the pace to keep up with the exercise and, therefore, become stronger. 8 Increases Lean Mass and Strength High-frequency training and low-frequency training both contribute to improvements in lean mass and strength in men and women. Strength training also helps alterations in metabolism, increase in bone density, reduces the risk of injury, and even rebuilds lost muscle. The buildup of muscle is necessary for preventing a resting metabolic rate that causes obesity. 9 Improved Cholesterol Levels Regular physical activity and exercise are effective in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and thus prevent the onset of coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Clinicians can recommend aerobic training, or resistance training to ensure that healthy cholesterol levels are achieved. 10 Prevention and Management of Diabetes Regular exercise can help delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by 60%. Daily physical activity, aerobic exercise, or resistance training prevents sugar-build up in the blood. Insulin sensitivity increases and the body can take up glucose during and after activity. Any form of physical activity that helps the body burn calories, e.g. walking, cleaning, mowing the lawn is beneficial and should be included in daily routines.

• published: 25 Apr 2018
• views: 1074030