9 Benefits of Exercise
May Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome is marked by relentless fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep or rest. This condition can be extremely debilitating, with some people experiencing symptoms for years. Many find that pharmaceuticals and alternative remedies offer little relief. However, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital suggests that exercise therapy can be a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to improving fatigue and other symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Puts Insomniacs to Bed
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered that exercise can help alleviate insomnia in individuals with major depressive disorder. Participants in their study reported better mood and improved sleep quality, leading researchers to recommend exercise therapy as a beneficial treatment.
Supports Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a unique and personal experience, so it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes. Research indicates that pregnant women who engage in mild to moderate exercise enjoy better cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, are less likely to suffer from urinary incontinence, experience fewer symptoms of depression, gain less weight, and have a lower risk of gestational diabetes.
Softens Aging
A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet contribute significantly to the physical decline often associated with aging. But you don’t have to accept this as inevitable. Studies consistently show that improving physical fitness can reduce the risk of age-related diseases, including mental conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Many older adults find Tai Chi to be a low-impact, easy-to-do exercise that enhances fitness, strength, balance, and overall physical function. Additionally, Tai Chi has been noted for its mental benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving quality of life, according to the Tufts University School of Medicine.
Improves Mental Health
One of the most significant benefits of regular exercise is its ability to reduce stress and improve mood. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with depression who either do not respond well to pharmaceuticals or prefer not to use them. The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia found that maintaining cardiovascular fitness into middle age is associated with lower rates of depression. Starting early is even better. Research from the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section at the University of Michigan showed that adolescents with depression experienced significant improvement after engaging in aerobic exercise. Additionally, a clinical trial by the Netherlands’ Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience found that exercise therapy performed at least twice a week improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced symptoms of schizophrenia, including depression.
Fights Antidepressants’ Libido Depression
The University of Texas at Austin conducted a study with 47 women who experienced sexual arousal issues due to antidepressants. The study involved watching erotic film clips, with genital arousal measured during the sessions. The results showed that exercising before the sessions increased genital arousal and sexual satisfaction.
May Help Menopausal Mood Swings
Menopause often brings severe hormonal changes and mood swings. The University of Granada’s Faculty of Health Sciences suggests that physical exercise can help alleviate the physical and psychological changes associated with menopause, offering relief to many women.
May Improve Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves inflammation and degeneration of the central nervous system, affecting physical activities like walking and cognitive functions such as attention and memory. The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, indicates that exercise can combat inflammation and neurodegeneration, making it a potentially beneficial therapy for those with MS.
Promotes Positive Recovery
Recovering from traumatic brain injuries can be a long and challenging process, often accompanied by depression. Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center recommends exercise as a method to enhance the quality of life for individuals recovering from such injuries, helping to mitigate the emotional and physical challenges they face.
