Exercise

Benefits of exercise

Exercise should form an integral part of a healthy lifestyle as it has multiple health and social benefits. Exercising regularly can help to improve flexibility, speed and strength as well as keeping the joints loose and the organs and muscles working efficiently. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and anxiety and can be a welcome escape from a hectic lifestyle. The health benefits of exercise are numerous; those who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Exercise also helps to keep body weight stable and increase muscle tone, which can increase confidence relating to physical appearance.

Exercising as a family

Keeping your family healthy can be difficult, especially if everybody is busy doing their own thing and there is little time for family bonding. Exercising together can be great fun, as well as an excellent way to improve general family health and spend time together. Exercise can also build confidence and enable people to learn valuable life skills, such as working as part of a team and keeping your body fit and healthy.

Examples of exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring and limited to running or going to the gym. There is a vast range of activities on offer at most leisure centres which may include aerobics classes, yoga, Pilates, martial arts, swimming and boxing to name just a few. Getting outdoors is also great for the body and mind so try to get everyone involved in outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, canoeing, walking or climbing; these activities can sometimes be daunting but will give a sense of achievement which will build ambition and self-confidence.