Home | Session 1: The Science of Stress | Session 2: Relaxation and Stress | Session 3: Exercise and Stress | Session 4: Stress Resistant Eating | Session 5: Stress Resistant Thinking

Stress Management for Health Course

Benefits of Exercise

 

What are the Benefits for you if you Exercise?

 

"The World Health Organisation says a sedentary life is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability, and lack of activity leads to more than 2 million deaths annually."  (Les Snowden)

 

Biochemical and Physiological Changes with Exercise

Research studies have shown that exercise has a number of beneficial biochemical and physiological effects on our body, such as:

 

·        Lowers the levels of stress hormones in the blood stream.

 

·        Reduces the clotting time of our blood

 

·        Stimulates gall bladder to drain

 

·        Causes muscles to relax

 

·        Lowers lactate levels (linked to being a factor in anxiety)

 

·        Improves insulin resistance

 

·        Improves blood cholesterol profile

 

·        Stabilises blood sugar levels

 

·        Lowers blood pressure

·        Lowers resting heart rate

 

·        Boosts immune function

 

·        Lowers oestrogen levels

 

·        Lowers triglycerides

 

·        Improves sleep

 

·        Improves efficiency of cardiovascular system

 

·        Boosts serotonin

 

·        Induces relaxation

 

·        Increases our energy level

  

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Regular Aerobic Exercise

 

The Biochemical and Physiological changes in our bodies mentioned above have been shown by research to reduce the likelihood of us developing a wide range of health problems.

Such as:

 

·        High cholesterol levels

 

·        Colds and infections

 

·        High blood pressure

 

·        Post natal depression

 

·        Problematic labour in pregnancy

 

·        Reduced mortality rate

 

·        Premenstrual syndrome

 

·        Certain cancers (breast, bowel, prostate)

 

·        Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)

 

·        Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood glucose levels.

 

·        Kidney stones

 

·        Insomnia

·        Impotence

 

·        Pain

 

·        Anxiety

 

·        Depression

 

·        Stress

 

·        Varicose veins

 

·        Constipation

 

·        Endometriosis

 

·        Strokes

 

·        Heart attacks

 

·        Heart disease

 

·        Obesity

 

·        Headaches

 

 

·        Gall bladder disease

 

·        Diabetes Mellitus

 

·        Osteoporosis

 

·        Angina pectoris

 

·        Glaucoma

 

·        Anger/Hostility

 

·        Back pain

 

·        Fatigue

 

·        Migraines

 

·        Asthma

 

·        Gallstones

 

·        Low self esteem

 

·        Acne

 

  

Exercise and Diabetes

Research has shown that diabetics who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing diabetic complications and a lower risk of dieing when compared to diabetics who do not exercise.

Aerobic exercise can lower insulin resistance in one week.  In a study at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA, 11 women walked and cycled for 50 minutes a day.  In one week, their insulin resistance dropped by 58%.  Exercise may improve insulin function by increasing the muscles demand for glucose.

 

Click here to be taken to Rebounding