Working out does wonders for your body, just like a car’s engine runs better if you maintain it properly. This is something you hear regularly in everyday life, but why is this really so? What does all that exercise do to your body? And what do you notice in the long run? Let’s find out! Looking for Small Group Training in Arnhem to experience these benefits together? Feel free to drop by!
The heart: your strongest muscle
Your heart is like the engine of your body. When you exercise, it pumps harder to send oxygenated blood throughout your body. This not only increases your heart’s stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped per heartbeat), but also reduces your resting heart rate. This makes your heart muscle stronger and more efficient, which significantly lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease. In the long run, this leads to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes because your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood around. In addition, a strong heart can extend your lifespan and improve your quality of life as you age.
The lungs: more oxygen, more energy
With every movement, your muscles need oxygen to work properly. During exercise, your lungs are put to work breathing in more oxygen and exhaling more carbon dioxide. This increases lung capacity and improves gas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs. By exercising regularly, you increase the volume of your lungs and improve oxygen supply to your muscles, leading to better endurance and more energy. In the long run, this helps prevent chronic respiratory problems such as COPD and can reduce the symptoms of asthma, making your breathing more efficient and stable.
The muscles: powerful machines
When you exercise, you give your muscles small challenges by putting them under tension. This activates a process called myofibrillar hypertrophy, in which muscle fibers increase in size and number. This results in stronger, better-functioning muscles. Stronger muscles support your joints, improve your posture and help with daily activities such as lifting, carrying and running. In addition, muscles speed up your metabolism, which helps with weight management. In the long run, this means you’re less likely to lose muscle as you age (sarcopenia) and more likely to perform daily activities without pain or discomfort. Strong muscles also protect you from chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain.
The bones: solid and strong
Your bones get stronger when you put regular strain on them, especially in activities that carry your own body weight, such as walking or strength training. Exercise stimulates bone-forming cells, osteoblasts, to create new bone mass. This process increases bone density and makes your bones stronger and less prone to fractures. Regular exercise also helps produce collagen, a protein essential for the structure of your bones and joints. In the long run, this helps prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and weak. Stronger bones mean less risk of fractures and better balance and stability as you age, which maintains your range of motion and reduces the risk of falls.
The brain: a refreshing pick-me-up
Not only do your muscles benefit from exercise, but so does your brain. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain, leading to improved cognitive function and mental clarity. The increased oxygen and nutrient supply stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which improve your mood and reduce stress. In addition, physical activity promotes neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are formed, which benefits your memory and learning abilities. In the long run, regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, and can help you maintain mental acuity and cognitive function as you age.
Digestion: everything runs smoothly
Exercise helps your digestive system function optimally by stimulating blood flow to your intestines. This increases peristalsis, the undulating movements that move food through your intestines. Regular physical activity can also improve the microbiome of your gut, which is essential for proper digestion and immune function. By exercising regularly, you ensure that your food is processed more efficiently and that your body is better able to absorb nutrients. In the long run, this helps keep your digestive system healthy and prevent chronic digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (PDS). A healthy digestive system also contributes to a strong immune system, making you less susceptible to disease and infection.
The skin: radiant and healthy
When you sweat, your skin cleanses itself by expelling waste products through its pores. In addition, exercise stimulates blood circulation, providing your skin with more nutrients and oxygen. This process promotes cell renewal and the production of collagen, resulting in radiant, healthy looking skin. Regular exercise can also help reduce inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can cause acne. In the long run, this keeps your skin resilient and more resistant to the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging. Good circulation and adequate collagen production contribute to younger and healthier-looking skin, even as you age.
Summary: A healthy and happy body
In short, regular exercise keeps your body working optimally, from your heart and lungs to your muscles and brain. By exercising, you give your body exactly what it needs to stay strong, healthy and energized. In the long run, regular exercise protects you from many chronic diseases, improves your quality of life, and helps you stay fit and active no matter what your age. So put on those gym shoes and give your body the exercise it deserves – today, tomorrow and for the rest of your life!
Did you get excited? At YOU. The Gym we offer Small Group Training in Arnhem, combining the benefits of personal coaching with the motivation of a group. It’s the perfect way to achieve all those long term health benefits and make it fun. Feel free to stop by for a free trial class!
