by Glenda Thompson

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

There is nothing like that wonderful feeling of well being after an hour in the gym, a forty minute walk, jogging in the park, swimming, or anything else that you enjoy that is also likely to get your heart rate up, and those wonderful "feel good" hormones, endorphins, racing around your body! Here are some other very good reasons why one should exercise:

DEPRESSION AND EXERCISE: Depression and exercise influence each other. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of depression, and depression increases the likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise can be an extremely effective way to treat some forms of depression. Physical activity alters brain chemistry and leads to feelings of well being. Exercise can also be an effective treatment for anxiety.

CHOLESTEROL AND EXERCISE: You can lower cholesterol without pills by eating right and following a regular exercise regime. High cholesterol levels may lead to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke and heart attack. Exercise itself does not directly lower cholesterol, but it helps to strengthen the heart and the entire circulatory system.

INSOMNIA AND EXERCISE: Studies have shown that people who take regular exercise, not only sleep longer at night but also enjoy a better quality of sleep. So, rather than turning to sleeping pills, perhaps a quick visit to the gym, or a run may be the answer to solving your sleep problems.

ARTHRITIS AND EXERCISE: Exercise is essential for people with arthritis. It increases energy levels, helps with weight control maintains a healthy heart and increases bone and muscle strength. Moving the joints daily helps to keep them fully mobile, and added joint support is achieved by strengthening the surrounding muscles. Also, joint movement transports nutrients and waste products to and from the cartilage, the material which protects the ends of the bones.

LOWER BACK PAIN AND EXERCISE: When done in a controlled, gradual, and progressive manner, exercise distributes nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the back to keep the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy. A regular exercise routine helps patients avoid stiffness and weakness and minimizes recurrences of lower back pain.

CANCER AND EXERCISE: There is strong data to show that high levels of physical activity are linked with lower rates of colon and breast cancer. There is also proof that moderate to vigorous exercise can help prevent prostate and possibly lung and uterine cancer. Several recent studies have shown that after breast or colon cancer has been treated, exercise may help to prevent cancer from returning.

Acknowledgements: Bupa; Spine Health; Better Health; about.com arthritis

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