Why you should exercise: 5 scientifically proven facts about its benefits

Every time you put off going to the gym, you miss an opportunity to improve your life – perhaps even extend it. From mental balance to longevity, the facts about sport prove conclusively that physical activity has a positive impact on health.

This article details five proven facts about the benefits of sport to help you make an informed decision in favour of physical activity.

Fact 1: Sport improves brain function

Exercise not only strengthens muscles, but also has a significant impact on the brain. Harvard University research has proven that regular exercise improves neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt and create new connections. When you run or swim, your brain literally grows: the number of neural connections increases.

Sport improves memory and cognitive abilities, helping you to better cope with concentration and logical thinking tasks. Even light morning exercise helps to wake up the brain by increasing the flow of oxygen and activating the areas responsible for concentration:

1. Before: a person forgets important details, has difficulty concentrating on work. After: improved memory, ability to concentrate on tasks for longer periods of time.
2. Before: constant fatigue and heaviness in the head in the morning. After: easy awakening, clarity of thought from the very morning.

If you think of the brain as a muscle, then physical activity becomes the machine that helps it to be toned.

Fact 2: Sport has a positive effect on immunity

Exercise helps to strengthen the immune system and makes the body more resistant to infections. The facts about sports are undeniable – regular exercise activates the immune cells, increasing their number and efficiency. At the moment of intense physical activity, the human body produces more antibodies that attack viruses and bacteria.

Interestingly, in addition to exercise, immunity is also affected by the quality of sleep, and sport, in turn, promotes deeper and longer sleep. It’s a kind of closed health cycle: you exercise, you sleep better, your immune system strengthens, and you get sick less often. Why does this happen? Physical activity stimulates the production of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Body temperature rises during exercise and gradually decreases after exercise, which promotes deeper sleep. In addition, exercise increases the level of lymphocytes, which play a key role in defence against infections. One hour of moderate activity a day, be it running, swimming or yoga, is enough to maintain a high level of immune defence.

Fact 3: Exercise and mental health – the path to emotional balance

The modern rhythm of life often leads to stress and depression, and this is where sport comes to the rescue: the facts speak for themselves. Physical activity promotes the production of endorphins – the so-called hormones of happiness. When you exercise, serotonin and dopamine levels increase in the body, which leads to a better mood and lower anxiety levels.

People who work out regularly at the gym are less likely to suffer from depression. This is supported by research: scientists have found that just 30 minutes of physical activity a day reduces the risk of depression by 20 per cent. During exercise, hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are released into the bloodstream:

1. Endorphins are responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria, helping to combat stress and improve your overall mood.
2. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep and appetite, and its increased levels help prevent depression.
3. Dopamine improves motivation and brings a sense of satisfaction from the activity performed.

Sport helps build internal resilience to stress by increasing the body’s ability to respond to external stimuli without undue anxiety.

Fact 4: Sport strengthens the cardiovascular system

Daily exercise helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Even simple brisk walking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%. Regular cardio exercise, such as running, swimming or training on an exercise bike, helps to normalise blood pressure and improves blood circulation.

During exercise, the heart works more efficiently: it pumps more blood in fewer contractions, which reduces the strain on the blood vessels and increases the overall efficiency of the heart. This is due to the improved elasticity of the vessel walls and the increased volume of the heart, which allows it to work with less strain. Regular cardio exercise, such as running or swimming, helps to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Benefits:

1. Before: high blood pressure, shortness of breath when climbing stairs. After: stable blood pressure within normal limits, no shortness of breath with moderate exercise.
2. Before: high levels of bad cholesterol, risks of atherosclerosis. After: lower LDL levels, improved lipid profile.
3. Before: low endurance, fatigue after little physical activity. After: increased endurance, ability to engage in vigorous activity without significant fatigue.

Fact 5: Sport can ensure longevity

Physical activity is directly related to longevity. People who exercise live longer and are less susceptible to chronic diseases. Facts about sports confirm that even moderate exercise, such as walking or doing yoga, can extend life by 3 to 5 years.

Research conducted at the University of California shows that people who devote at least 150 minutes a week to sport have a significantly lower risk of developing age-related diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. An active lifestyle is a contribution to your healthy future.

Conclusion

Facts about sports show that physical activity has a positive effect on brain function, boosts immunity, helps fight stress and keeps your heart healthy. Regular exercise makes a person’s life better and longer. Don’t miss the chance to improve your future today. Consult your health care professional about any restrictions – choose your sport and get started. Sport is the best ally in the fight for a healthy and happy life.