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Did
You Exercise Today?
Strengthens lungs
 Ever
notices how your breath becomes deeper while exercising? Exercise promotes
full use of the lungs, thus reducing lung and chest congestion that occurs
due to lymph accumulation. It also strengthens the lungs. Breathing deeply
also increases the supply of oxygen to your bloodstream, as you are inhaling
more air. Thus, while exercising, make sure you're in a pollution-free
environment, or you'll be inhaling more
Carbon dioxide instead!
Increases respiration
reserve
Some people start gasping inordinately
easily. If you are one of those people who cannot climb a flight of stairs
without panting, you are in dire need of a workout. Exercise helps build
respiratory reserve and a better control of your breath. The greater your
respiratory reserve, the greater your capacity to exercise.
Builds muscle
Exercise helps build muscle. With
improved muscle tone, you lose weight even when you are not exercising!
Now isn't that good news? In addition, toned muscles look good. Of course,
you don't have to develop peckers à la Salman Khan, but cutting
down the flab around your upper arms and waist and developing a tight,
toned look is definitely something to be desired.
Strengthens the
heart
Any form of aerobic exercise increases
the rate of heartbeat in a person, for the duration of the exercise. This
helps strengthen the heart. Studies have shown that less active people
run a three times higher risk of suffering from a heart attack. Thus, one
should combine any form of exercise (yoga, stretches, weights…) with some
form of aerobic exercise. In order to strengthen the heart and thus obtain
the maximum benefit of aerobic exercise, the activity undertaken should
be maintained at that particular level for at least twenty minutes. Thus,
if you are jogging, you should try and jog at the same speed for at least
twenty minutes. Of course, this will not be possible immediately and you
would have to slowly build up endurance. It would be best to begin with
something you could do for twenty minutes continuously - at least initially.
Thus, if you can't jog for twenty minutes continuously, go for a twenty-minute
long brisk walk, MAINTAINING the speed.
Burns calories
Exercise burns those excessive calories
consumed, so if you indulged yourself by downing that rich chocolate pastry
lathered with chocolate sauce, don't feel too guilty. Simply add an extra
ten minutes to
your workout.
Aids kidneys
Sweating helps eliminate waste matter.
Exercise causes an increase in perspiration, thus facilitating the elimination
of toxins. In this manner, exercise also helps take some pressure off the
kidneys as it helps eliminate wastes.
Improves circulation
Exercise improves blood circulation.
Regular exercise also leads to an improvement in the quality of blood.
Studies have shown that those who exercise on a regular basis - at least
three times a week - have
improved hemoglobin, alkaline and
protein levels, and have a higher red blood cell count.
Inculcates discipline
Exercise helps inculcate a sense
of routine, and it increase discipline and will power. The act of getting
out of the house at a particular time everyday, and spending that time
in strenuous physical activity day after day without giving up, is a great
character builder. Thus encourage your child to exercise. Enroll your children
in tennis lessons; encourage them to take up swimming or even dance. Give
them an initial push till they get accustomed to the routine. You will
be glad you did.
Increases emotional
strength
Exercise increases the production
of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. Ever heard of something called
the 'runner's high'? This is a natural 'high' generated by a rush of endorphins
into the system. Thus, a person who regularly exercises rarely falls victim
to problems like chronic depression. Exercise not only promotes physical
well-being, but it promotes emotional well-being too. It thus leads to
a harmonious and well-rounded development of a person.
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