Aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining physical health and wellness. It offers a range of benefits that can improve your overall quality of life. Whether you opt for low impact or high impact aerobic exercise, the health benefits are the same. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 7 benefits of both low impact aerobic exercise and high impact aerobic exercise.
1) It improves your cardiovascular health
One of the greatest benefits of aerobic exercise is its positive effect on your cardiovascular health. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your resting heart rate and improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart muscle, allowing it to pump more efficiently and circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. This increased efficiency helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, aerobic exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and hypertension.
The type of exercise you choose will depend on your individual fitness level and preferences. Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming or cycling, are great options for beginners or those with joint pain. High-impact exercises, such as running or jumping rope, may be better suited to those with higher levels of fitness. Regardless of the type of aerobic exercise you choose, the key is to maintain a consistent routine to reap the benefits for your cardiovascular health.
2) It strengthens your immune system
Aerobic exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on your immune system. Studies have found that regular aerobic exercise can help increase the number of circulating white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infection and disease. Additionally, aerobic exercise has been found to reduce stress hormones, which can weaken your immune system. By reducing stress hormones, your body is able to focus more on defending against harmful organisms. With regular aerobic exercise, you can not only improve your physical health but also boost your immunity and protect yourself from illness.
3) It helps you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight
One of the primary benefits of aerobic exercise is its ability to help you lose weight and keep it off. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be effective at burning calories, which can lead to weight loss over time. In addition, aerobic exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight by strengthening your muscles and increasing your metabolism.
When it comes to losing weight, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be particularly effective. HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity activity, followed by periods of rest or low-intensity activity. This type of training is great for burning fat and increasing your metabolism.
Low-impact activities, such as walking or swimming, are also great for helping you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. These activities are easier on your joints than higher impact activities, so they are great for those who are just starting out or for those who may have injuries or other health issues that prevent them from doing more intense activities.
In order to get the most benefit out of aerobic exercise and to lose weight, it's important to combine the right type of exercise with a healthy diet. Make sure to find an exercise program that is tailored to your needs and to focus on eating nutritious, wholesome foods.
4) It lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Engaging in aerobic exercise can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that regular physical activity lowers blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, which reduces your chances of developing the condition. Aerobic exercise increases your body’s ability to use glucose and insulin more efficiently, which reduces your risk of becoming insulin-resistant. Additionally, aerobic exercise helps reduce abdominal fat and lower the amount of fat in the body, making it easier for your body to process glucose, therefore reducing your risk of diabetes. Additionally, a diet high in fiber, along with aerobic exercise, can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. So if you’re looking for an effective way to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, look no further than aerobic exercise.
5) It helps reduce stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have a huge impact on our physical and mental health. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety, especially aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise helps to increase endorphins and other neurotransmitters that promote feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. Research shows that even just 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, regular aerobic exercise can help to improve your sleep quality, which can further reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. So, if you are feeling stressed or anxious, try getting some exercise to help reduce those feelings.
6) It helps improve your sleep quality
One of the benefits of aerobic exercise is that it can help you improve your sleep quality. Exercise increases your body's production of endorphins, which are natural hormones that help regulate your sleep cycle and give you a better night's rest. Regular aerobic exercise can also help reduce insomnia symptoms by reducing stress levels and increasing alertness during the day. Furthermore, aerobic exercise can help you get to sleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested. So, if you're having trouble sleeping, aerobic exercise may be just what you need to get a better night's sleep!
7) It can help increase your lifespan
Getting regular aerobic exercise can have a positive effect on your lifespan. A recent study showed that people who exercised regularly had a significantly lower mortality rate than those who did not. Specifically, the study found that people who engaged in moderate or vigorous aerobic exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week had a 29% lower risk of death than those who didn’t exercise at all.
The benefits of aerobic exercise go beyond just increasing your life expectancy. It also helps to strengthen your heart and lungs, improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, and increase your energy levels. All of these benefits can contribute to better overall health and help you live a longer, healthier life.
Aerobic exercise can come in many forms, from low impact activities such as walking and swimming to more intense activities like running and biking. If you’re looking for a way to boost your overall health, adding regular aerobic exercise to your routine is an excellent choice. With its many benefits, it can help you live a longer and happier life.
