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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Fitness / Benefits of Exercise & a Healthy Lifestyle

Fitness, Health & Fitness, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living

Benefits of Exercise & a Healthy Lifestyle

I started writing this article last year, but alas I am only posting it now! So at long last, I am sharing the Benefits of Exercise and a Healthy Lifestyle.

Benefits of Exercise
Image source: Progressman Shutterstock.com

Benefits of Exercise

If you have been reading the Inspired Living Blog or following me on social media for a while, you will know that I enjoy being active. I am, in fact, one of those people who gets moody when I do not exercise.

Something I have become aware of is that exercise, whether it be running or yoga, can positively affect both your emotional and mental health.

What Is a Healthy Lifestyle

For me, a healthy lifestyle is so much more than just being fit and eating “clean”. It is also about achieving a happy, sustainable existence. An existence, which I think should include being active, eating healthy food, de-stressing and getting enough sleep.

Healthy Eating
Image source: Vladislaw Noseek Shutterstock.com

As well as a regular fitness routine, I also follow a healthy diet but do love my coffee and red wine! So the key to everything is “balance” and moderation.

Something else to be aware of is that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach to healthy living. What works for me, may not work the next person. However, making small changes to your daily routine can make a world of difference to your overall wellbeing.

So what are the other benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle?

Mood-Boosting

In my opinion, over and above any of the physical benefits, this is one of the most important effects of exercise on the body. Exercise can help lift your mood, as well as help regulate stress.

Benefits of Exercise
Image source: Pedro Matos Shutterstock.com

It also increases the production of endorphins, the bodies “feel-good” chemical. Endorphins help you feel less pain, more pleasure, while making you more focused and in an overall better mood.

Certain superfoods, such as avocados, blueberries, dark chocolate and broccoli are also great for boosting your mood.

Increased Energy Levels

As with lifting your mood, exercise and eating a balanced diet can help increase your energy levels. This also helps with productivity. I think we can all do with some help in this department from time to time. Comparing days that I have exercised, with those I have not, I find I am more energised and far more prodcutive.

A few of my favourite, healthy, energy-boosting foods are bananas, hummus, dark chocolate, avocados, beetroot and eggs.

Weight Loss

Weight loss has become such a controversial topic but maintaining healthy body weight is vital for general wellbeing. Obesity is a major problem worldwide, especially among young people. This is something that can be avoided by encouraging physical activity and eating well.

Benefits of Exercise
Image source: Matka Wariatka Shutterstock.com

Making Healthy Food Choices and including a variety of food types in your diet, is essential for achieving a healthy weight. Vegetables, whole grains, fruits, as well as lean protein, are great for weight loss. It is also vital to drink enough water throughout the day.

Combining a healthy diet, with aerobic exercise, and resistance training is the best way to achieve and maintain healthy weight loss.

Reduce The Risk of Chronic Disease

Moderate exercise and following a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and diseases, such as insulin resistance, cardiac problems, as well as high blood pressure.

Green leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and contain substances that help protect blood vessels and also help reduce the risk of diabetes.

Healthy Skin

Regular, moderate exercise increases the bodies production of natural antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Exercise also helps sustain healthy levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of Cortisol can cause breakouts or collagen in the skin to breakdown, which can increase wrinkles.

Health Benefits of Avocados
Image source: Elena Pavlovich Shutterstock.com

Foods such as fatty fish and avocados, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E are also beneficial for skin health.

Bone and Muscle Health

Bones and muscles are the bodies infrastructure, and it is essential to look after them. Exercise plays a vital role in building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. This is so important especially as you age. Exercise releases hormones to help the body absorb amino acids, which in turn helps growth and development of muscles.

To maintain healthy bones and muscles include foods in your diet, which are rich in Vitamin D, calcium and protein. A few I would recommend are fatty fish, mushrooms, almonds, chia seeds, eggs and lean meat.

Conclusion

Keeping healthy may not come easy to everyone but making small lifestyle changes, is more sustainable, as well as being easier to maintain.

Benefits of Exercise

Make sure you incorporate moderate exercise or physical activity, 3 to 4 times per week, eat a healthy balanced diet, get enough sleep and most importantly take time out to de-stress.

Images: ©2010 – 2019 copyright Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner.

Disclosure

This post does not contain sponsored or paid content. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.

Summary
Benefits of Exercise and a Healthy Lifestyle
Article Name
Benefits of Exercise and a Healthy Lifestyle
Description
For me, a healthy lifestyle is so much more than just being fit and eating "clean". It is also about achieving a happy, sustainable existence. An existence, which I think should include being active, eating healthy food, de-stressing and getting enough sleep. Find out what the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle are.
Fiona Rossiter
Fiona Rossiter
Inspired Living SA
Inspired Living SA
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Inspired Living SA

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Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. All opinions, content, as well as images, are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. For more details please read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.

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About Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am a Travel & Lifestyle content creator and photographer from beautiful Cape Town, in South Africa. I love being creative and almost never shy away from an adventure. I am a keen home cook, avid interior decorator, passionate photographer and I love drinking good wine. Inspired Living is a Travel & Lifestyle blog featuring Travel, Food & Wine, Decor & Fashion.

Comments

  1. Women Issues says

    at

    Congratulations on your post you really nailed it and thank you so much for sharing with us. I am also a blogger for women related issues people can also check out some health and fitness articles on my blog womenissues.co.za

    Reply
  2. Joel says

    at

    Hi Fiona,

    You really explained the nitty gritty of the entire benefits that exercises does for the body. I am mostly inspired by your statement in the fourth paragraph where you mentioned that having a healthy lifestyle is more than just being fit and eating clean, that it means having a happy and sustainable existence. The statement is charming and I think you gave the entire summary of everything.

    One more thing I will love to mention is that, probably you should also say that people should make water i.e. drinking lots of water part of their daily routine/exercise. Drinking lots of water everyday is one of my greatest secrets of youthfulness, energy and staying disease free.

    Cheers.

    Reply

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Meet Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am Fiona Rossiter, from Cape Town, the writer and photographer behind Inspired Living SA Blog. If you love good Food and Wine, reading amazing Travel Adventures, keeping Fit and Healthy, as well following Decor Trends – then Inspired Living SA is just the place for you! Read More…

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