We’ve all heard that we should include physical activity and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, only a small percentage – less than 25% – of people actually meet the physical activity guidelines. Those guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate intensity (or 75 min of vigorous intensity) exercise with two sessions of muscle strengthening per week. We know we are supposed to do this, but why?

There are a multitude of benefits from a single bout of exercises, and even more benefit when we exercise on a regular basis over a long period of time. Scientists have been searching, and will continue to search for a pill that has all the benefits of exercise. If there was a pill with the same benefits, we would almost all take it every day despite the cost. The good news is that exercise is free or very inexpensive compared to taking a medication daily. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply prioritizing the time for it.

A single bout of exercise may:

Help with energy levels
Release endorphins to help with mood
Improve sleep
Increase alertness

Regular exercise helps:

Prevent many different chronic diseases (type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and at least 40 different chronic conditions)
Maintain mental health
Improve sleep quality
Improve energy stores
Control weight
Improve cellular metabolism
Increase longevity and life expectancy
And much more

You may need assistance and guidance to achieve the recommended amounts of physical activity in a safe way. Physical therapists are the optimal practitioners to assist with appropriate modifications, progressions, and appropriate exercises to get and keep you moving. We help people after surgery, injury, or musculoskeletal pain. In addition, we are able to develop a plan to address balance, strength, mobility, and overall movement. We will also help you coordinate with appropriate professionals as needed if there are other areas to address beyond just physical activity/exercise to help you live a long and healthy life.

Exercise for Health