Many experts have identified the amazing 10 benefits of regular exercise for men. Tony loved to work out. He enjoyed pushing himself hard at the gym. He would lift heavy weights several times. He liked the tiredness with the feel-good that comes after a rigorous workout. He always believed that regular exercise and its health benefits cannot be compromised.
In view of the benefits to his health, Tony vowed to make physical activity a major part of his lifestyle. That was until he got married. Then two children came along as well as a highly demanding job. Subsequently, a flood of excuses why he couldn’t make it to the gym again. But Tony finds it easier to convince himself he is still in very good shape. Although, the real truth is that Tony is a few kilos heavier. His blood pressure has gone up a few points. And the reduced health benefits from lack of exercise are beginning to affect his general well-being.
Find below 10 health benefits of regular exercise that may convince you to get back to a regular workout. That is if you find yourself in Tony’s position.
Reduces Cholesterol Level
As you get older, cholesterol figures start going the wrong way. Levels of bad cholesterol steadily rise, while levels of good cholesterol appear to decline. The result is arteriosclerosis and heart attacks. Therefore, the best way to keep bad cholesterol levels down is to eat a diet low in saturated fat. And the only best way to shoot up good cholesterol is for you to exercise.
Lowers Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. An increase in triglyceride levels is linked with a high risk of heart disease. A study confirmed many physically active men who had higher levels of good cholesterol also had the lowest triglyceride levels. This is a good enough reason to get your gym shoes on.
Impacts on High Blood Pressure
Exercise reduces the risks of high blood pressure. This benefit is confirmed by a study that followed men and women 18 to 30 years old for 15 years. The study found that the more physically active the participants were, the lower their risk of developing hypertension.
Lessens Inflammation
The levels of C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation, are lessened through regular exercise. To support this claim, a study found that men with high levels of aerobic fitness had lower levels of C-reactive protein.
Improves Blood Vessels
Smoking, cholesterol build-up, and aging tend to stiffen blood vessels, thereby increasing your heart attack risk. However, several studies show that exercise helps to maintain the capability of blood vessels to open and constrict in response to changing oxygen demands.
Reduces Diabetes Risk
The start of diabetes in an adult is triggered by too much body fat. But remaining physically active can assist you in keeping the weight off. A study also shows that exercise reduces the risk of diabetes even for overweight or obese people.
Reduces Colon Cancer Risk
Colon cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in men. The good news is that about 80% of cases of colon cancer can be prevented. It can be achieved through a healthier diet including more fiber and whole grains. In addition, exercise came out to be equally important as a healthier diet. Studies show that physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer by as much as 30 to 40%.
Helps Build Strong Bones
Thinning bones is another undesirable effect of aging, which can lead to a greater risk of fractures. In a study that followed 3,262 men from their 40s to their 60s, active exercise intensely lowered the risk of hip fractures.
Stimulates Weight Loss
Regular simple activity such as walking for half an hour, most days, can help keep your belly from bulging over your belt. Many other studies equally show that if you do more physical activity, you will have slimmer waistlines. For instance, a group of 58 participants in a study walked 10,000 steps a day. After nine months, the participants had trimmed almost an inch from their waists, as well as from their hips.
Supports Longevity
By combining all the other exercise benefits, the summary is that physical activity supports a longer and healthier life. This is again confirmed by a study that followed 15,853 men aged 30 to 59. These men took part in physical activities, such as jogging, swimming, skiing, playing ball, or serious gardening over a twenty-year period. The study found that up to 21% of men were less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Or die of any cause during the study period.
Bottom Line
How much exercise will you need to reap all these 10 benefits of regular exercise? The answer depends largely on what your objectives are. For instance, your risk of colon cancer and diabetes will be significantly reduced if you walk half an hour most days of the week. The fact is that the more exercise you can plan into your daily life, the more the benefit. Similarly, the healthier you will be, for you and your family.
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/10-health-benefits-regular-exercise-men
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