Specialists keep stressing the fact that sport directly improves our health. It influences our mental health, in addition to many other positive impacts it has on the human body. Physical exercise not only maintains the body shape, but also plays a major role in prevention against diseases, memory loss, cholesterol or diabetes. We are nowadays accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle which has harmful effects on health. Therefore, it is essential that we, current and future generations, continue to give priority to doing sports as it keeps us healthy.
So, why is sport good for you? We have drawn up a list of the true long-term benefits that sport provides when practicing it on a daily basis:
1. Sport protects against cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death. By remaining inactive, the risk of developing one is multiplied by two. Training the cardiovascular system through physical activity can protect and strengthen the heart for the long term. It helps reduce the risk of clotting and to rule out the risk of a heart attack by avoiding high blood pressure.
In addition to this protective role, physical exercise is also recommended for people already suffering from cardiovascular disease, as long as it is adapted to their physical condition. Some tests must be performed beforehand by the doctor, who can then recommend exercises adapted to the patient’s medical conditions.
2. Sport prevents cancer and metabolic diseases
Even in good health, sport allows a person to prevent the risks associated with cancer, especially breast cancer for women, reducing the risk by 40%, and prostate cancer for men, reducing the risk by 50%.
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes or cholesterol, which are signs of deficiencies or disturbances in the body, can also be combated or regulated with sport. Daily exercise from 30 minutes to 1 hour a day would be enough to avoid a metabolic syndrome. This is a minimum to be followed, keeping up a sustained activity would be even more effective.
3. Sport prevents cognitive decline
Memory, sleep, stress: physical activity also has a distinctly positive influence on cognition, thanks to better oxygenation of the brain and muscles. Indeed, the more muscles are used to exercise, the less energy they will need to perform their work in the long term.
Another confirmed hypothesis is that sport brings joy and satisfaction to people: it reduces anxiety and depression, it provides as well a feeling of well-being to the individual.
4. Sport strengthens bones
The consequence of moderate and regular physical activity is simple: it solidifies the bones by improving their densification. During physical effort, bones are subject to slight shocks and pulls. They are then increasing their ability to repairing themselves and to become stronger. However, a real effect would only be visible after several months of physical training, as bones renew themselves very slowly.
5. At any age its importance to move (children, adults, seniors)
Sport is recommended at all ages and involves all generations. We were previously referring to bones, which become more and more brittle with age. Without regular practice throughout one’s life, we have a greater chance of fracture. For the elderly, it is important to move regularly. Of course, there are specific recommendations for people aged 65 and over.
The youngest are the most likely to practice intense sports. From the age of 40-50, the type of sport you should practice must be adapted. In this case, preference is given to softer sports that promote stretching of the muscles, such as fitness or swimming. Walking is also a good way to keep in shape.
To conclude, you may not realise it, but sport is also good opportunity to socialize and build relationships. If you are an expatriate in a country you don’t know well yet, going to the local gym or taking group lessons will allow to meet new people.
Now it’s up to you to find the sport that suits your needs and your lifestyle! Find your own pace to avoid injury. If you want to read how one of our clients has healed from an injury at the gym, you can read his testimonial on this page.
