benefits of exercise essay for class 6

Importance of Exercise Essay

500 words essay on exercise essay.

Exercise is basically any physical activity that we perform on a repetitive basis for relaxing our body and taking away all the mental stress. It is important to do regular exercise. When you do this on a daily basis, you become fit both physically and mentally. Moreover, not exercising daily can make a person susceptible to different diseases. Thus, just like eating food daily, we must also exercise daily. The importance of exercise essay will throw more light on it.

Importance of Exercise

Exercising is most essential for proper health and fitness. Moreover, it is essential for every sphere of life. Especially today’s youth need to exercise more than ever. It is because the junk food they consume every day can hamper their quality of life.

If you are not healthy, you cannot lead a happy life and won’t be able to contribute to the expansion of society. Thus, one needs to exercise to beat all these problems. But, it is not just about the youth but also about every member of the society.

These days, physical activities take places in colleges more than often. The professionals are called to the campus for organizing physical exercises. Thus, it is a great opportunity for everyone who wishes to do it.

Just like exercise is important for college kids, it is also essential for office workers. The desk job requires the person to sit at the desk for long hours without breaks. This gives rise to a very unhealthy lifestyle.

They get a limited amount of exercise as they just sit all day then come back home and sleep. Therefore, it is essential to exercise to adopt a healthy lifestyle that can also prevent any damaging diseases .

Benefits of Exercise

Exercise has a lot of benefits in today’s world. First of all, it helps in maintaining your weight. Moreover, it also helps you reduce weight if you are overweight. It is because you burn calories when you exercise.

Further, it helps in developing your muscles. Thus, the rate of your body will increases which helps to burn calories. Moreover, it also helps in improving the oxygen level and blood flow of the body.

When you exercise daily, your brain cells will release frequently. This helps in producing cells in the hippocampus. Moreover, it is the part of the brain which helps to learn and control memory.

The concentration level in your body will improve which will ultimately lower the danger of disease like Alzheimer’s. In addition, you can also reduce the strain on your heart through exercise. Finally, it controls the blood sugar levels of your body so it helps to prevent or delay diabetes.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of Importance of Exercise Essay

In order to live life healthily, it is essential to exercise for mental and physical development. Thus, exercise is important for the overall growth of a person. It is essential to maintain a balance between work, rest and activities. So, make sure to exercise daily.

FAQ of Importance of Exercise Essay

Question 1: What is the importance of exercise?

Answer 1: Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases. When you exercise daily, you lower the risk of developing some diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more. It also helps to keep your body at a healthy weight.

Question 2: Why is exercising important for students?

Answer 2: Exercising is important for students because it helps students to enhance their cardiorespiratory fitness and build strong bones and muscles. In addition, it also controls weight and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Further, it can also reduce the risk of health conditions like heart diseases and more.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Travelling Essay
Picnic Essay
Our Country Essay
My Parents Essay
Essay on Favourite Personality
Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
Essay on Knowledge is Power
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on My Favourite Season
Essay on Types of Sports

Download the App

Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Students are often asked to write an essay on Benefits of Exercise in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Introduction.

Exercise is a vital part of our daily routine. It helps in maintaining our health, improving our mood, and enhancing our overall well-being.

Physical Health

Exercise strengthens our heart and lungs, reducing the risk of diseases. It helps in maintaining a healthy weight and promotes better sleep.

Mental Health

Regular exercise releases endorphins, chemicals that make us feel happier and relaxed. It also boosts our self-esteem and improves concentration.

In conclusion, exercise benefits us in many ways. It’s an excellent tool to stay healthy, happy, and focused. Therefore, we should include it in our daily routine.

250 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Exercise, often underrated, is a potent tool for enhancing physical and mental health. It is a universal remedy that offers numerous benefits, transcending age, gender, and physical ability.

Physical Health Benefits

Exercise primarily enhances physical wellbeing. Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart diseases. It aids in maintaining a healthy weight, thus preventing obesity-related illnesses. Moreover, exercise improves bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and enhances muscular strength and flexibility, thereby preventing injuries.

Mental Health Benefits

Beyond physical health, exercise significantly contributes to mental wellbeing. It stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, leading to reduced stress levels and increased happiness. Regular exercise can also alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhancing overall mental health.

Cognitive Benefits

Exercise also plays a crucial role in cognitive function. It promotes better sleep, aids in maintaining focus, and improves memory. Studies suggest that regular physical activity can delay the onset of cognitive decline in later years, reinforcing its long-term benefits.

In conclusion, the benefits of exercise are manifold, spanning physical, mental, and cognitive domains. It is a cost-effective, accessible strategy to enhance overall health and wellbeing. As college students, embracing exercise as a regular habit can significantly contribute to academic success and lifelong health. The adage, “A healthy mind in a healthy body,” indeed holds.

500 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Exercise, often regarded as a panacea for numerous health-related issues, has been a subject of extensive research over the years. It is a powerful tool that aids in the enhancement of both physical and mental well-being. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted benefits of exercise, ranging from improved physical health to enhanced cognitive abilities.

The first and most apparent advantage of exercise is its profound impact on physical health. Regular physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Exercise aids in the regulation of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two significant risk factors for these conditions.

In addition to cardiovascular health, exercise contributes to better respiratory health by enhancing lung capacity and efficiency. It also plays a crucial role in weight management, as it helps burn calories, preventing obesity and associated diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer.

The benefits of exercise are not limited to physical health; they also extend to mental well-being. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It stimulates the production of endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which elevate mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Exercise also aids in stress management. Engaging in physical activity diverts the mind from stressors, providing a respite from negative thoughts. Furthermore, the accomplishment of fitness goals often boosts self-esteem and confidence.

Recent research has unveiled the cognitive benefits of regular exercise. It has been found to enhance memory and thinking skills. Exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves connections between neurons, leading to better brain health. It can also slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging, thereby reducing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Social Benefits

Exercise often serves as a social activity, providing opportunities to meet new people and strengthen relationships. Participating in group exercises or sports can foster a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for emotional well-being. Moreover, it can also enhance teamwork and leadership skills, which are invaluable in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, the benefits of exercise are manifold, ranging from physical health improvements to mental and cognitive enhancements. It is a cost-effective and accessible method to maintain overall health and improve quality of life. As college students, integrating regular physical activity into our routine can provide us with the stamina to deal with academic pressures and equip us with skills that are beneficial in the long run. Therefore, exercise is not just about maintaining physical fitness; it is a comprehensive approach to holistic well-being.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Being a Child
Essay on Being the Oldest Sibling
Essay on Mountain Climbing

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Essay On The Importance Of Exercise – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On The Importance Of Exercise For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on the importance of exercise for kids, a paragraph on importance of exercise for children, short essay on the importance of exercise for kids, long essay on importance of exercise for children, what will your child learn from the essay on the importance of exercise.

An essay on the importance of exercise for classes 1, 2, and 3 is a good method to teach children about well-being and a healthy lifestyle. Children curious about health and well-being will enjoy writing this essay as it is a topic that interests them. Essay writing fosters a healthy interest in kids while also assisting them in becoming more accomplished writers. An essay-writing skill can help a student in developing into a self-reliant person. By writing essays, children can sharpen their fundamental abilities and broaden their knowledge. Additionally, essay writing helps develop children’s intellect and conversational skills.

Exercise is an important topic to be covered for kids. A few points must be kept in mind when writing an essay on the importance of exercise for lower primary classes.

Always adhere to proper grammatical conventions.
Use good grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
Have a firm idea of the subject to compose a successful essay.
Brainstorming is always beneficial.
Note the incidents and data about the subject at hand.
Try and keep the sentences short and clear so that the topic doesn’t become challenging or boring.
Proofreading is very another important part of writing an essay.

Writing an essay for classes 1 and 2 on the importance of exercise helps students develop their critical thinking abilities and educates them on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The following 10 lines talk about the importance of exercise for kids of classes 1 and 2.

1. Exercise is a way to remain active, fit and healthy.

2. We must exercise regularly to enjoy good physical health.

3. We stretch our muscles and strengthen our bones when we exercise.

4. Exercise promotes healthy breathing and improves lung strength.

5. Physical activity also improves metabolism, improves our digestion and helps us become fit.

6. Exercise releases hormones in our body which make us feel happy.

7. There are many different forms of exercise like aerobics, Zumba, stretching, weight lifting, playing sports, yoga and more.

8. Some daily activities are also great physical workouts, like cleaning the house, walking up and down the stairs, lifting grocery bags etc.

9. Exercise is good for people of all ages as it can prevent ailments by keeping us healthy.

10. Exercise improves our stamina and helps us maintain a healthy mind and body.

Writing an essay on the importance of exercise helps gauge a child’s comprehension of the subject. Here is a short paragraph on the importance of exercise for children.

The most important component of good health and fitness is exercise. You cannot live a happy life and contribute to the advancement of society if you’re not healthy. Nowadays, schools hold physical activities frequently, and experts are called to the campus to set up the training. Exercise is crucial for everyone. Kids should exercise even at home and indulge in activities like running, skipping, brisk walking, jumping, etc., to stay physically active. Exercise boosts metabolism and helps kids generate more energy for daily activities. Exercise can be fun for kids if they do it in a group with friends. Some universal games like catch-catch, chain-chain, football, etc., are an excellent way to make them do some sweating on the playground. Exercise ensures healthy habits in kids too.

A short essay on the importance of exercise for kids brings out the very aspect of learning and understanding the virtues of a good and healthy life. Below is a short essay on the importance of exercise for kids.

Exercise and good health go hand in hand and cannot be separated from one another. A person is considered healthy if their body functions properly. The wellness of a healthy body depends on all of its organs functioning well and effectively. People can provide their organs with daily regeneration with a well-planned exercise regime as exercise improves our posture, maintains a straight and fit spine, and provides a healthy digestive system. Exercise helps in improving blood circulation. People can keep their internal and external systems in perfect shape by regularly following an exercise regime. Additionally, exercise tones muscles and keeps a person lively. As a result, people give themselves excellent, perfect, and sound health through exercising. Exercise is another simple and effective strategy to avoid medicines and health risks. Exercise is undoubtedly a medicine for all ages, people, and situations. No other prescription is needed if the tonic of exercise is regularly.

We all should know how exercise and physical activity benefit children, teens, and adults alike. An essay for class 3 on the importance of exercise for children gives us an insight into the benefits and necessity of exercise.

Exercise is any physical activity we repeatedly conduct to unwind our bodies and remove all mental stress. Exercise should be done frequently. People become physically and psychologically fit when they consistently indulge in physical exercise. People may become more vulnerable to several ailments if they don’t exercise daily. People in ancient years had a lot of physical labour to accomplish as there was no mechanised system at the time. Kids need to take up exercise daily as it will increase their stamina and range of endurance. Kids, who exercise daily, perform well in sports and academics. Fit kids sleep better and have better focus and motor skills altogether. Understanding the same, many schools have special programmes for kids that require them to be physically and mentally active. Kids who follow a routine- eat well, and exercises daily are less likely to face issues like fatigue, stress, and depression. Exercise brings health, and health brings positivity and determination to kids. Encouraging physical activity in kids is like preparing them for their future and strengthening them internally so they can take any challenge head-on.

Benefits Of Exercising

Exercise’s health advantages guarantee both physical and mental well-being.

Strong immune system: It strengthens the immune system and encourages healthy blood sugar levels.
Ensures bone health: It helps maintain bone health and helps to carry out tasks efficiently.
Boosts Metabolism : Regular exercising is good for metabolism. A good metabolism is crucial for daily energy to carry out daily activities.
No weight gain: It prevents the body from gaining weight and allows smooth functioning of the daily chores.
Strengthens muscles : Core strength is essential to improve body balance.
Improves sleep quality: People who exercise regularly experience good quality sleep.
Better focus: For those aiming at the sky, focus is the key. A good exercise routine builds concentration in academics and other activities.

What Are The Different Types Of Exercise?

Everybody has a different set of fitness goals. Some people desire weight loss, while others desire strength development. Some people want to be more flexible. Here are a few fitness exercises for kids:

How Much Should You Exercise Every Day?

As per recommendations, one should try to walk for a minimum of 150 minutes every week as exercise. One can do this by logging 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. Or you can walk for 50 minutes 3 times a week if you have time constraints. Having a gap for a rest day is also important for muscle recovery.

Writing essays is an essential component of academic life. Learning how to write an essay on the importance of exercise in English is an excellent approach to raising your child’s awareness of healthy living.

The essay on the importance of exercise educates the children on the benefits of exercising and a healthy lifestyle. They might learn new things about a subject they may not have known much about.

Essay on Morning Walk for Children How to Write An Essay on Yoga for Kids Essay on ‘Health Is Wealth’ for Lower Primary Classes

Essays for Class 1
Essays for Class 2
Essays for Class 3

How To Make A Paper Plate Submarine?

S.t.e.m-based shows that are good for kids, low-stimulation shows to keep your kid busy (for when you need a break), leave a reply cancel reply.

Most Popular

Diy water pistol painting, jellyfish salt painting, recent comments.

FirstCry Intelli Education is an Early Learning brand, with products and services designed by educators with decades of experience, to equip children with skills that will help them succeed in the world of tomorrow.

The FirstCry Intellikit `Learn With Stories` kits for ages 2-6 brings home classic children`s stories, as well as fun activities, specially created by our Early Learning Educators.

For children 6 years and up, explore a world of STEAM learning, while engaging in project-based play to keep growing minds busy!

Build a love for reading through engaging book sets and get the latest in brain-boosting toys, recommended by the educators at FirstCry Intellitots.

Our Comprehensive 2-year Baby Brain Development Program brings to you doctor-approved toys for your baby`s developing brain.

Our Preschool Chain offers the best in education across India, for children ages 2 and up.

Welcome to the world of Intelli!

We have some FREE Activity E-books waiting for you. Fill in your details below so we can send you tailor- made activities for you and your little one.

Parent/Guardian's Name

Child's DOB

What would you like to receive other than your Free E-book? I would like information, discounts and offers on toys, books and products I want to find a FirstCry Intellitots Preschool near me I want access to resources for my child's development and/or education

Welcome to the world of intelli!

FREE guides and worksheets coming your way on whatsapp. Subscribe Below !!

THANK YOU!!!

Here are your free guides and worksheets.

Study Pulse Pro

Study Guides & Interactive Learning Materials

Benefits of Exercise Essay in English Class 6 7 8 9 10

Benefits of exercise essay.

Good health is a great blessing. If the health is not good, the life of a person gets affected.

Exercise is very important to maintain fitness. Exercise is very helpful in digesting food. Exercise leads to proper development of the body. The body becomes flexible and strong. A person lives happily with good health. Body parts and muscles are strengthened. If there is health, it is easy to eat, drink, sit up, work, run and act.

But if health is not good, there will be no pleasure in anything. All gold and silver are worthless. The value of health is known when a person falls ill.

Different exercises have different benefits. Some exercises strengthen the limbs. For example, crunches are very useful for strengthening the arm and chest muscles. Sit-ups and running are useful for strengthening the legs. Swimming is an excellent exercise.

An exerciser should take care that his diet also suits his needs. If one has to work hard, heavy meals are somewhat necessary. But the diet of the less active should be very simple and light. Exercise should be done according to your strength and age.

The best time for exercise is morning or evening. Weather should also be taken into consideration. There is a risk of frostbite in winter. Therefore, it should be adequately managed. Exercise should not be done after eating.

Consuming something cold, such as soda, ice cream or cold syrup, immediately after exercise can upset the stomach. Just as food is essential to sustain life. Thus exercise is also essential to maintain health. So it is important that we make exercise a daily routine.

Products & Resources

JEE Main Knockout April
Free Sample Papers
Free Ebooks
NCERT Notes
NCERT Syllabus
NCERT Books
RD Sharma Solutions
Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
NCERT Solutions
NCERT Solutions for Class 12
NCERT Solutions for Class 11
NCERT solutions for Class 10
NCERT solutions for Class 9
NCERT solutions for Class 8
NCERT Solutions for Class 7
JEE Main 2024
MHT CET 2024
JEE Advanced 2024
BITSAT 2024
View All Engineering Exams
Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
Top Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
Top IITs in India
Top NITs in India
Top IIITs in India
JEE Main College Predictor
JEE Main Rank Predictor
MHT CET College Predictor
AP EAMCET College Predictor
GATE College Predictor
KCET College Predictor
JEE Advanced College Predictor
View All College Predictors
JEE Advanced Cutoff
JEE Main Cutoff
JEE Advanced Answer Key
JEE Advanced Result
Download E-Books and Sample Papers
Compare Colleges
B.Tech College Applications
KCET Result
MAH MBA CET Exam
View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

MBA College Admissions
MBA Colleges in India
Top IIMs Colleges in India
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
BBA Colleges in India
XAT College Predictor 2024
SNAP College Predictor
NMAT College Predictor
MAT College Predictor 2024
CMAT College Predictor 2024
CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
CAT 2023 College Predictor
CMAT 2024 Answer Key
TS ICET 2024 Hall Ticket
CMAT Result 2024
MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
Download Helpful Ebooks
List of Popular Branches
QnA - Get answers to your doubts
IIM Fees Structure
AIIMS Nursing
Top Medical Colleges in India
Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
Medical Colleges accepting NEET
List of Medical Colleges in India
List of AIIMS Colleges In India
Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
NEET College Predictor
NEET PG College Predictor
NEET MDS College Predictor
NEET Rank Predictor
DNB PDCET College Predictor
NEET Result 2024
NEET Asnwer Key 2024
NEET Cut off
NEET Online Preparation
Download Helpful E-books
Colleges Accepting Admissions
Top Law Colleges in India
Law College Accepting CLAT Score
List of Law Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Delhi
Top NLUs Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

CLAT College Predictor
MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
AILET College Predictor
Sample Papers
Compare Law Collages
Careers360 Youtube Channel
CLAT Syllabus 2025
CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
NID DAT Exam
Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

NIFT College Predictor
UCEED College Predictor
NID DAT College Predictor
NID DAT Syllabus 2025
NID DAT 2025
Design Colleges in India
Top NIFT Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in India
Top Interior Design Colleges in India
Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
NIFT Result 2024
NIFT Fees Structure
NIFT Syllabus 2025
Free Design E-books
List of Branches
Careers360 Youtube channel
IPU CET BJMC
JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
IIMC Entrance Exam
Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
CA Intermediate
CA Foundation
CS Executive
CS Professional
Difference between CA and CS
Difference between CA and CMA
CA Full form
CMA Full form
CS Full form
CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Company Secretary
Cost Accountant
Charted Accountant
Credit Manager
Financial Advisor
Top Commerce Colleges in India
Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
Top B.Com Colleges in India
IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
MCA Colleges in India
BCA Colleges in India

Diploma Colleges

Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
UPSC IAS 2024
SSC CGL 2024
IBPS RRB 2024
Previous Year Sample Papers
Free Competition E-books
Sarkari Result
QnA- Get your doubts answered
UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

NDA Application Form 2024
UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
CDS Application Form 2024
CTET Admit card 2024
HP TET Result 2023
SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
UPTET Notification 2024
SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

SSC CHSL 2024
UP PCS 2024
UGC NET 2024
RRB NTPC 2024
IBPS PO 2024
IBPS Clerk 2024
IBPS SO 2024
Top University in USA
Top University in Canada
Top University in Ireland
Top Universities in UK
Top Universities in Australia
Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

Study in USA
Study in UK
Study in Canada
Study in Australia
Study in Ireland
Study in Germany
Study in China
Study in Europe

Student Visas

Student Visa Canada
Student Visa UK
Student Visa USA
Student Visa Australia
Student Visa Germany
Student Visa New Zealand
Student Visa Ireland
CUET PG 2024
IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
DU Admission 2024
UP B.Ed JEE 2024
LPU NEST 2024
IIT JAM 2024
IGNOU Online Admission 2024
Universities in India
Top Universities in India 2024
Top Colleges in India
Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Bihar
Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
Central Universities in India
CUET DU Cut off 2024
IGNOU Date Sheet
CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
CUET Response Sheet 2024
CUET Result 2024
CUET Participating Universities 2024
CUET Previous Year Question Paper
CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
E-Books and Sample Papers
CUET Exam Pattern 2024
CUET Exam Date 2024
CUET Cut Off 2024
CUET Exam Analysis 2024
IGNOU Exam Form 2024
CUET PG Counselling 2024
CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

Knockout JEE Main 2024
Test Series JEE Main 2024
JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

Knockout NEET 2024
Test Series NEET 2024
Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

JEE Main One Month Course
NEET One Month Course
IBSAT Free Mock Tests
IIT JEE Foundation Course
Knockout BITSAT 2024
Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

IT & Software Certification Courses
Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
Programming And Development Certification Courses
Business and Management Certification Courses
Marketing Certification Courses
Health and Fitness Certification Courses
Design Certification Courses

Specializations

Digital Marketing Certification Courses
Cyber Security Certification Courses
Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
Business Analytics Certification Courses
Data Science Certification Courses
Cloud Computing Certification Courses
Machine Learning Certification Courses
View All Certification Courses
UG Degree Courses
PG Degree Courses
Short Term Courses
Free Courses
Online Degrees and Diplomas
Compare Courses

Top Providers

Coursera Courses
Udemy Courses
Edx Courses
Swayam Courses
upGrad Courses
Simplilearn Courses
Great Learning Courses

Importance Of Exercise Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

Essay on Importance of Exercise -

It is our responsibility to take care of our bodies and stay fit in order to live a long life. People believe that eating healthy foods is sufficient for the body, ignoring the benefits of exercise. Doctors always advise their patients to make time in their lives to exercise and improve their health. Here are a few sample essays on Importance Of Exercise.

100 Words Essay on Importance of Exercise

200 words essay on importance of exercise, 500 words essay on importance of exercise.

Importance Of Exercise Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

Keeping our bodies fit enough to live a healthy and wealthy life is one of the most crucial components of existence. Getting up early, eating a nutritious meal, and keeping track of nutrients are all important. Our bodies require exercise as well as nutrients to develop our bones and muscles, boost our mental health, and lose weight. People can avoid orthopedic disorders in their old age by strengthening their bones. Obesity can be avoided by losing weight. People who resist being indolent and prefer to engage in physical activity are more likely to live a pleasant existence. At the end of the day, it is up to the people to change their way of life.

Exercising is one of the most vital processes that everyone should incorporate into their lives. Some people disregard the benefits of physical exercises and how they might help them live a peaceful life. Your body is your responsibility, and the least you can do is stay fit for as long as possible. Exercising not only maintains your body fit, but it also prevents ailments caused by a lack of physical activity. Half of all illnesses can be avoided by engaging in modest exercise on a daily basis . Consider the issue of obesity—obesity is caused mostly by excessive calorie intake and insufficient physical activity. Squats, planks, running, and other exercises can help in the reduction of body weight.

In terms of mental health, exercise has been shown to be a mood booster and aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues. This also aids in better sleep at night. Excessive calorie consumption can result in heart disease . Exercise is vital for persons who have long-term cardiac and diabetes problems since it helps them avoid future sickness. Some individuals believe that exercise is only done in a gym and is physically exhausting. However, there are a variety of workouts that can be done from the convenience of your own home.

Physical activity is regarded as one of the most vital components of life , yet many individuals tend to disregard it. Hearing the term "physical activity" drains some people, and they avoid doing it. But many don't realise how beneficial exercise is on its own. It not only helps to keep fit, but it also helps to prevent numerous long-term disorders. It is always preferable for a person to alter their lifestyle in order to do something beneficial to themselves. People must realise how good exercise is, and once they do, they will embark on a healthy lifestyle journey. The following are some of the advantages of exercising that individuals should be aware of—

Reduces Weight

Exercise aids in weight loss and keeping a particular amount of BMI for a healthy lifestyle . A change in diet can only help with calorie reduction; to burn fat, people must step up and conduct regular exercises every day. This activity can also help to lower bad cholesterol in the body and prevent future cardiovascular disease. Excessive physical activity depletes obese persons. They can, however, burn calories without going to the gym every day. Normal daily actions such as walking the stairs frequently, keeping oneself busy, and avoiding binge eating are also ways to lose weight.

Prevents Illness

To avoid pain, the bones and muscles in the body require exercise. Orthopedic experts advise patients to exercise on a daily basis to keep their bones healthy. People who follow a regular fitness plan will never tire quickly.

Some diseases or illnesses, such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure, can also be avoided with physical activity . While exercising, the brain releases hormones that make individuals joyful, which leads to a reduction in depression. Exercise has always been shown to be good in many aspects, and experts have supported this notion.

Elevates Mood

Exercise is the most effective mood booster. If you are going through a difficult time or need a solution to relieve stress, exercise is the only option. Most people have low self-esteem when it comes to their appearance. This can result in social anxiety and an eating disorder. Regular physical activity alleviates this anxiety . One can gain confidence in themselves and boost their self-esteem. People might also improve their mood by taking a short evening walk to relieve their minds of tension.

Exercise can help improve energy by supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and assisting the circulatory system to function properly. People will have more energy to complete all of their chores this way. People sometimes find it difficult to socialise with others . They see no reason to leave their comfort zone and participate in any enjoyable activity. In this situation, exercise can serve as an excuse for people to socialise. Going to the gym and meeting new people can make your time and day more memorable. Dancing, climbing, backpacking, and athletics are all examples of physical activities that are simple to perform .

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Get up to 90% scholarship on NEET, JEE & Foundation courses

ALLEN Digital Scholarship Admission Test (ADSAT)

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

PW JEE Coaching

Enrol in PW Vidyapeeth center for JEE coaching

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

ALLEN JEE Exam Prep

Start your JEE preparation with ALLEN

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

Essay about Exercise – Benefits

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Is exercise beneficial? How is it good for you? And what is exercise? Essays like the one below will help you discover the answers to these questions.

Introduction

Benefits of Exercise

Works Cited

Do you want to live a good life feeling great with improved mental psyche and energy levels void of some chronic diseases coupled with sound sleep all in one package? Look no further; regular exercising will offer this all-inclusive package of benefits. Many people just know very little about goodness of exercise; regrettably, they do not know how good it can get over time.

The good news is that, exercise delivers results regardless of sex, occupation, physical ability, or age. Exercise results are yours for taking; once you put the input, the output is almost certain.

Unfortunately, people will always find excuses for not exercising and even some will quote myths associated with exercise for them to stay out. Many exercise activities are not strenuous and require very little efforts; for instance, dancing for fun. The truth is; exercise is good because it will help you have good moods, manage chronic diseases, and manage weight giving you good shape.

Goodness of Exercise

Exercise helps in improving one’s mood and mind status. Mood is a state of mind. Physical activity triggers the body to release chemicals known as endorphins. These chemicals enable one to be happy and peaceful. The contemporary society is set in a way that people can work without involving a lot of physical exercise.

Moreover, many people are being forced by circumstances to take jobs that they do not like. Chances that such people will slump into stress, depression, low self-esteem, and insomnia are high.

However, exercising improves all these by improving one’s mood. For instance, during exercise, individuals set goals and by beating the timeline to accomplish these set goals, make one feel good and this improves his or her self-confidence and self-esteem. It is logical that a confident and self-esteemed person will have good moods. Human body is made up of active cells and they need to be kept active; exercise offers these.

As Mayo Clinic Staff posit, “As you exercise, your body gets fitter and stronger, and thus, your mind starts seeing everything, including yourself in a better light” (Para 4). Have you ever heard of people claiming the only thing they do when stressed up is exercise? These few individuals have discovered the secret to let go of in-built pressure. Brain is made up of muscles and exercise is good for brain muscles just as food is good for the body.

Good news to those battling with chronic diseases as hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis among others; exercise is the way out. Research indicates that regular exercise combats these diseases. According to Hawk, “exercise is the silver bullet for improved health” (Para. 1). In combating heart diseases, exercise strengthens heart muscles, increases High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs), and reduces Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs). These lipoproteins are cholesterol derivatives and scientists term HDL as ‘good’ cholesterol and LDL as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Reduction of LDL with subsequent increase of HDL promotes smooth blood flow and replenishes heart functions. In Type II diabetes, the body is insensitive to insulin probably due to weight gain amongst other causes. Exercise helps in shedding weight and this makes the body insulin sensitive. Consequently, this insulin breaks down sugar molecules in the body thus lowering blood sugar levels eventually combating diabetes type II.

Nowadays, poor feeding habits and little or no exercise makes people as young as fifteen to suffer from osteoporosis. However, exercise offers reprieve to this nightmare by strengthening bone tissue formation and maintenance. Finally, research indicates that exercise improves immune system response and this helps to keep minor infections at bay.

Finally, exercise helps in keeping body shape. No one likes obesity or out of shape body. Unfortunately, many people love talking how they hate their over weight bodies without doing anything about it; lip service. Exercise is the way to attaining that elusive figure you have always craved for, over the years.

It is natural that, during physical exercise, the body burns thousands of calories. Body weight results from excess energy, which is converted to fat and stored in different body parts. As one exercises, metabolism rate increases leading to breakdown of fats making your body slimmer and healthy.

Research indicates that, “To lose one pound of fat, you must burn approximately 3500 calories over and above what you already burn doing daily activities” (Buemann & Tremblay 193). These researchers make it clear that normal daily activities are not sufficient to burn the required calories in the body; therefore, exercise is the way out. Fortunately, you do not need to check into a gym to manage weight loss; far from it, 20 to 30 minute walk every day or cycling for fun is enough to keep weight gain under control.

Unfortunately, many people complain that exercise is not good because it is not fun. This is true and it does not apply to exercise alone; it applies to anything that someone does. If you do not enjoy what you are doing, it can never be fun. However, the claims that exercise is not fun are only excuses; not reasons. The fact is, there are many exercise programs, and out of them, every one can find a program that excites him or her. Exercise can be done in a group or individually.

Moreover, most of practices that people do for fun qualify as exercises. For instance, taking a stroll in the neighborhood in the evening is enough to relax one’s mind. Teenagers are fond of cycling for fun; however, even though they do not know it, cycling is a great lot of exercise.

So, what is the way out of these excuses? Identify an exercise that excites you; an exercise that you will do without much hustle. For instance, decide to engage in flexibility training exercises like yoga and sit-ups or even join a dancing group. By doing something that excites you, fun will be inevitable. However, remember to do whatever you are doing on purpose with discipline. Discipline is the key to any successful story you will ever hear.

Exercise is all-inclusive package that will enable you live almost a stress-free life, full of energy with improved self esteem and sound sleep not forgetting how you will be able to combat some diseases like hypertension and diabetes type II. During exercise, the body releases endorphins that restore peace and felicity.

Moreover, nothing equals the thrill that one gets by accomplishing set goals and exercise offers this opportunity to set both short and long-term goals and accomplish them. Again, exercise prompts the body to produce more ‘good’ cholesterol and eliminate the ‘bad’ one thus improving blood flow thus keeping hypertension at bay.

Any good doctor will tell you exercise is as essential as sleep or feeding. Finally, exercise enables you to maintain body shape by shedding those extra pounds. Unfortunately, many people complain that exercise is not fun; however, this is just an excuse, not a reason. There are many exercise programs to choose from, every one can get a program that excites him or her, and as the excitement sets in, fun follows. Anyway, who does not want to live a peaceful and happy life? Not even you, start exercising and start today.

Buemann, Baines & Tremblay, Albert. “Effects of Exercise Training On Abdominal Obesity and Related Metabolic Complications”. Sports Medicine. 2007, 21(1): 191-212.

Hawk, Patricia. “Here’s why Exercise is good for You.” 2009.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “ Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity. ” 2010. Web.

The Cycling Studio Project in the Fitness Industry
The Cycling Process: Physical Issues
Increasing Post-Pandemic Cycling Safety Through Improved Communication on the Road
Terra Cycle: A Mogul of Re- and Up-Cycling Waste
Cholesterol Screening Program and Health Promotion
Importance of Physical Fitness
R-insulin: Article Critique
Science Principles in Exercising
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, May 10). Essay about Exercise - Benefits. https://ivypanda.com/essays/exercise-is-good/

"Essay about Exercise - Benefits." IvyPanda , 10 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/exercise-is-good/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Essay about Exercise - Benefits'. 10 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Essay about Exercise - Benefits." May 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/exercise-is-good/.

1. IvyPanda . "Essay about Exercise - Benefits." May 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/exercise-is-good/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Essay about Exercise - Benefits." May 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/exercise-is-good/.

Essay on Importance of Exercise 500+ Words

Exercise is like a magic potion for our bodies and minds, making us stronger, healthier, and happier. In this essay, we will explore the importance of exercise, its incredible benefits, and why it’s crucial for our well-being.

Physical Health Benefits

Exercise is a powerhouse for our physical health. It keeps our bodies strong and fit, helping to prevent various health problems. According to experts, regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also strengthens our bones and muscles, making us more resilient.

Mental Health Benefits

Exercise doesn’t just benefit our bodies; it’s a mood booster for our minds too. Experts agree that physical activity releases endorphins, which are like natural happiness hormones. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better mental well-being.

Improved Brain Function

Exercise isn’t just a workout for our muscles; it’s also a workout for our brains. It enhances cognitive function, sharpens our memory, and increases our ability to focus. Studies show that students who exercise regularly often perform better in school.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall well-being. Exercise helps us burn calories and build muscle, making it a vital tool in managing our weight. It also boosts our metabolism, which means we continue to burn calories even when we’re not exercising.

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Exercise plays a role in improving the quality of our sleep. It helps us fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for our physical and mental recovery.

Boosting Energy Levels

It might sound counterintuitive, but exercise can actually boost our energy levels. Regular physical activity helps improve our endurance and stamina, making daily tasks feel easier. It also increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to our cells, giving us more vitality.

Social Connections

Exercise can be a social activity that brings people together. Joining sports teams, fitness classes, or group activities provides an opportunity to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. Social connections are important for our emotional well-being.

Lifelong Habits

Developing exercise habits at a young age sets the stage for a healthier future. Experts believe that when we start exercising early in life, we are more likely to continue these habits as adults. This can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Conclusion of Essay on Importance of Exercise

In conclusion, exercise is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for a healthy and fulfilling life. It offers a wide range of benefits, including improved physical health, better mental well-being, enhanced brain function, weight management, quality sleep, increased energy, and social connections. As we exercise regularly, we not only improve our present but also invest in a healthier future. Let us remember that the importance of exercise extends beyond physical appearance; it’s about nurturing our bodies and minds, creating a brighter and more vibrant life for ourselves. So, let’s lace up our sneakers, hit the playground, go for a bike ride, or dance to our favorite tunes—whatever it takes to keep our bodies moving and our spirits soaring. Exercise is the key to a happier, healthier, and more active life!

Also Check: Simple Guide on How To Write An Essay

Skip to main content
Skip to secondary menu
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to footer

ReadingJunction

Ultimate hub of educational content (Essay, Speech, Debate, Festivals, Events)

Essay on Importance of Exercise: Benefits for Students

January 9, 2022 by ReadingJunction 2 Comments

This article includes an essay on the importance of exercise in 1000 words for school and college class students. Also, explained points like the meaning of exercise, its benefits for students and improvement in life.

Table of Contents

Essay on Importance of Exercise (1000 Words)

School and college students can take help from this article to write paragraphs on the importance of exercise.

What is Exercise?

Exercise refers to physical activity or performing some physical work on a repetitive basis to relax your body and take away out all the mental stress. Doing regular exercise is essential in one’s life.

The advantages of regular exercise are often seen very quickly during a person if he does training regularly. An individual needs to be mentally and physically fit as we all have heard, “Healthy Mind lives in a healthy body .” So to remain fit and healthy one must do exercises regularly.

One must be both physically and mentally fit. Exercising plays an essential role in our lives. It helps us in staying physically meet. Out physical body is meant to maneuver. If we don’t exercise or walk daily, then we’d quickly get susceptible to different diseases overtime.

A bit like eating food , getting to work every day is a number of the essential aspects of lifestyle exercise is additionally crucial in daily lives, and one should make it a habit to a minimum of exercise 4 out of seven days during a week.

How will Exercise Improve You?

Exercise will assist you in maintaining your weight. If you’re overweight, you’ll quickly reduce by exercising as your calories will burn during your workout period.

Your muscles will develop, and therefore the rate of your body is going to be increased, which can help you in burning more calories than usual, albeit you’re not exercising. Exercise also will help in the improvement of both oxygen level and blood flow in your body.

With exercise, the brain cells are going to be released frequently, which helps in the production of the cells in the hippocampus. Hippocampus is that a part of the brain which helps in learning and controls the memory.

The concentration levels in your body are going to be improved, which can also lower the danger of diseases like Alzheimer’s. LDL cholesterol is the primary substance that results in the obstacle of arteries. Exercising daily will decrease the LDL cholesterol level within the body and increases cholesterol HDL.

Other health benefits of exercise on your heart are reducing vital signs, which can help in lowering the strain on your heart. The guts muscles also will strengthen if you’re exercising daily. If you’re exercising daily and are taking a healthy diet, your body has minimal risk of developing heart diseases.

The blood sugar levels of your body also will get controlled by exercising. They’re going to help in preventing or delaying the sort two diabetes. Fatness is one of the prime factors of diabetes, which may be controlled if one exercises daily.

Benefits of Exercise

The recondition and reviving of our full-body is helped by doing exercise. It helps us to form our muscles strong. Exercise also prevents obesity or helps in losing the load. It maintains youthfulness and delays the method of aging.

Exercise improves the functioning of the circulatory system and prevents cardiac diseases. It strengthens our network and prevents infections. Exercise improves our mental fitness and prevents insomnia and depression.

Training is sweet for the guts and also reduces the danger of developing type 2 diabetes and even the threat of certain cancers. Types of Exercises and their benefits:

1. Morning Walk

Morning walk is that the first and most ordinary exercise and is suited in most constitutions. Diabetic patients should do morning walk regularly as a morning walk is extremely good for his or her health.

2. Gymnastic Exercises

Under the guidance of an experienced trainer, only one must do gymnastic exercises. Gymnastics could also be positively dangerous to weak constitutions.

Yoga helps us to regulate our minds even as the body. Yoga may be a mixture of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises. Yoga is perfect for everybody. One must do yoga regularly.

To offer more importance to yoga now in our country Yoga Day is additionally celebrated on 21 June.

4. Free-Hand Exercises

Blank check exercises are straightforward exercises that will be quickly followed by everyone.

5. Aerobics

Aerobics means using or requiring more oxygen. These exercises are done to form the body to consume more oxygen. Aerobics help to enhance the condition of the cardiovascular system and, therefore, the heart Example: Cycling, Swimming, etc.

6. Anaerobic

It means not using or requiring more oxygen. These exercises are highly intensive and thus finished a brief duration of your time. Example: Weight Lifting.

7. Flexibility

It means to stretch your body the maximum amount as you’ll with none difficulty. Joint flexibility and muscular mobility have done by doing these exercises. Example: Stretching.

In doing exercise, you get nutrients and oxygen. It offsets the blood flow, which increases your brainpower, and you’re employed properly with a fresh mind. So these are the first benefits of physical activity.

We should always give proper time to try to exercise because maybe a famous proverb, ”those who don’t have time for exercise will need to find for illness”.

There are tons of advantages of doing exercise, and other people of all age groups can cash in of activity. Yoga helps in improving the strength and efficiency of the circulatory system, which can improve the flow of oxygen and nutrition in your body.

If your circulatory system is functioning okay, then you’ll find everything easy and supreme happiness in your lives. Exercising daily will assist you in improving your muscle strength.

Your muscles will get stronger, tendons, and ligaments will become flexible, which can allow you to maneuver quickly and can protect you from sudden injuries.

If you have strong muscles and ligaments, you’re having very little chance of joint and lower back pain, as all of your bones are getting to be in proper alignment. The coordination and balance of your body also will get improved.

Importance of Exercises

Doing exercise is vital for our proper health and fitness — physical exercises required in each and each sphere of life. The youths of our society today eat tons of food and appearance old before time. Their poor health is additionally one of the social problems.

People without healthiness cannot live happily and also cannot contribute to the expansion of our nation. Therefore to beat these problems, not only the youth of the society but everyone should do exercises to remain fit and healthy and contribute to the expansion of our nation.

Physical Activities are essential for college kids, and thus nowadays, in every school and college, individual classes are organized for physical exercises. Sometimes highly trained professionals also visit the faculties and colleges to show the scholars the physical exercises.

Activities for college kids are as important as their studies. Even in the offices nowadays, the physical exercise training opportunities offered to supply rest to the mind of the workers of their organization and to form them work without feeling any stress. Exercises are of great use to us.

To achieve life, both mental and physical development is vital. Therefore exercises are essential for the overall growth in one’s life. A balance should be maintained between his work, rest, and activities.

Reader Interactions

March 23, 2022 at 6:10 pm

May 8, 2022 at 10:57 am

Thankyou.It really helped me alot.

Copyright Protection

All articles on this website are Copyright Protected. Copying or Using any material in any form is a serious offense.

Important Links

Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Physical Exercise — The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle

The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle

Categories: Healthy Lifestyle Physical Exercise

About this sample

Words: 638 |

Published: Mar 16, 2024

Words: 638 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Impact on physical health, impact on mental health, barriers to exercise.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

Expert in: Life Nursing & Health

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 603 words

2 pages / 947 words

2 pages / 1117 words

2 pages / 1026 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Physical Exercise

High blood pressure is a significant health concern affecting adults worldwide. This quantitative essay employs a research investigation approach to examine the effects of physical activity on blood pressure levels in adults. [...]

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, the choice between exercising at home and exercising at the gym is a decision that individuals often grapple with. Both options offer distinct advantages and drawbacks [...]

Iosr journals, & Fatma Hsain Ali Suliman. (2015). The Role of Extrovert and Introvert Personality in Second Language Acquisition.Research Team, P. (2018). Quick Personality Test. Psych Central. Retrieved on November 25, 2019, [...]

Proper nutrition and physical activity are crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise can lead to serious health conditions such as [...]

Keeping physically fit requires resolve! Nothing is more important than deciding to follow a fitness plan. Around the holidays so many of us make a New Year's resolution to get fit and healthy, but I'm here to tell you that [...]

What do you feel after exercise? Exercise is the cheapest and most useful tool for not only stress, but for many other things. For me, when I exercise, I get a feeling of comfort and relaxation. My whole body changes into a more [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity.

You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life.

Want to feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life? Just exercise.

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, no matter their age, sex or physical ability.

Need more convincing to get moving? Check out these seven ways that exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you.

1. Exercise controls weight

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Regular trips to the gym are great, but don't worry if you can't find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none. To gain the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel, called cardiovascular, diseases.

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including:

Metabolic syndrome.
High blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes.
Depression.
Many types of cancer.

It also can help improve cognitive function and helps lower the risk of death from all causes.

3. Exercise improves mood

Need an emotional lift? Or need to lower stress after a stressful day? A gym session or brisk walk can help. Physical activity stimulates many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed and less anxious.

You also may feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

4. Exercise boosts energy

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance.

Exercise sends oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep

Struggling to snooze? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep.

6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life

Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and give you more confidence about your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life.

But there's even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.

7. Exercise can be fun — and social!

Exercise and physical activity can be fun. They give you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply do activities that make you happy. Physical activity also can help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting.

So take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. Bored? Try something new, or do something with friends or family.

Exercise to feel better and have fun

Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and have fun. For most healthy adults, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends these exercise guidelines:

Aerobic activity. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. Or get at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. You also can get an equal combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Aim to spread out this exercise over a few days or more in a week.

For even more health benefits, the guidelines suggest getting 300 minutes a week or more of moderate aerobic activity. Exercising this much may help with weight loss or keeping off lost weight. But even small amounts of physical activity can be helpful. Being active for short periods of time during the day can add up and have health benefits.

Strength training. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. One set of each exercise is enough for health and fitness benefits. Use a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions.

Moderate aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, biking, swimming and mowing the lawn.

Vigorous aerobic exercise includes activities such as running, swimming laps, heavy yardwork and aerobic dancing.

You can do strength training by using weight machines or free weights, your own body weight, heavy bags, or resistance bands. You also can use resistance paddles in the water or do activities such as rock climbing.

If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.

Remember to check with a health care professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness or haven't exercised for a long time. Also check with a health care professional if you have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

Error Email field is required

Error Include a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

AskMayoExpert. Physical activity (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/our-work/physical-activity/current-guidelines. Accessed June 25, 2021.
Peterson DM. The benefits and risk of aerobic exercise. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 24, 2021.
Maseroli E, et al. Physical activity and female sexual dysfunction: A lot helps, but not too much. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.04.004.
Allen MS. Physical activity as an adjunct treatment for erectile dysfunction. Nature Reviews: Urology. 2019; doi:10.1038/s41585-019-0210-6.
Tips for starting physical activity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/tips-get-active/tips-starting-physical-activity. Accessed June 25, 2021.
Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 16, 2021.

Products and Services

Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine
A Book: Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure
Available Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store
A Book: The Mayo Clinic Diet Bundle
Available Solutions under FSA/HSA Coverage from Mayo Clinic Store
A Book: Live Younger Longer
A Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies
A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
The Mayo Clinic Diet Online
Balance exercises
Blood Doping
Can I exercise if I have atopic dermatitis?
Core exercises
Exercise and chronic disease
Exercise and illness
Stress relief
Exercising with arthritis
Fitness ball exercises videos
Fitness program
Fitness training routine
Hate to exercise? Try these tips
Hockey Flywheel
How fit are you?
Marathon and the Heat
BMI and waist circumference calculator
Mayo Clinic Minute: How to hit your target heart rate
Staying active with Crohn's disease
Strength training: How-to video collection

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise 7 benefits of regular physical activity

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.

Physical Activity Is Good for the Mind and the Body

Health and Well-Being Matter is the monthly blog of the Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Everyone has their own way to “recharge” their sense of well-being — something that makes them feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually even if they aren’t consciously aware of it. Personally, I know that few things can improve my day as quickly as a walk around the block or even just getting up from my desk and doing some push-ups. A hike through the woods is ideal when I can make it happen. But that’s me. It’s not simply that I enjoy these activities but also that they literally make me feel better and clear my mind.

Mental health and physical health are closely connected. No kidding — what’s good for the body is often good for the mind. Knowing what you can do physically that has this effect for you will change your day and your life.

Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits. These are published in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and include improved brain health and cognitive function (the ability to think, if you will), a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life. Although not a cure-all, increasing physical activity directly contributes to improved mental health and better overall health and well-being.

Learning how to routinely manage stress and getting screened for depression are simply good prevention practices. Awareness is especially critical at this time of year when disruptions to healthy habits and choices can be more likely and more jarring. Shorter days and colder temperatures have a way of interrupting routines — as do the holidays, with both their joys and their stresses. When the plentiful sunshine and clear skies of temperate months give way to unpredictable weather, less daylight, and festive gatherings, it may happen unconsciously or seem natural to be distracted from being as physically active. However, that tendency is precisely why it’s so important that we are ever more mindful of our physical and emotional health — and how we can maintain both — during this time of year.

Roughly half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime, with anxiety and anxiety disorders being the most common. Major depression, another of the most common mental health disorders, is also a leading cause of disability for middle-aged adults. Compounding all of this, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can affect people’s ability to take part in health-promoting behaviors, including physical activity. In addition, physical health problems can contribute to mental health problems and make it harder for people to get treatment for mental health disorders.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need to take care of our physical and emotional health to light even more so these past 2 years. Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted how the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in youth .

The good news is that even small amounts of physical activity can immediately reduce symptoms of anxiety in adults and older adults. Depression has also shown to be responsive to physical activity. Research suggests that increased physical activity, of any kind, can improve depression symptoms experienced by people across the lifespan. Engaging in regular physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression in children and adults.

Though the seasons and our life circumstances may change, our basic needs do not. Just as we shift from shorts to coats or fresh summer fruits and vegetables to heartier fall food choices, so too must we shift our seasonal approach to how we stay physically active. Some of that is simply adapting to conditions: bundling up for a walk, wearing the appropriate shoes, or playing in the snow with the kids instead of playing soccer in the grass.

Sometimes there’s a bit more creativity involved. Often this means finding ways to simplify activity or make it more accessible. For example, it may not be possible to get to the gym or even take a walk due to weather or any number of reasons. In those instances, other options include adding new types of movement — such as impromptu dance parties at home — or doing a few household chores (yes, it all counts as physical activity).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I built a makeshift gym in my garage as an alternative to driving back and forth to the gym several miles from home. That has not only saved me time and money but also afforded me the opportunity to get 15 to 45 minutes of muscle-strengthening physical activity in at odd times of the day.

For more ideas on how to get active — on any day — or for help finding the motivation to get started, check out this Move Your Way® video .

The point to remember is that no matter the approach, the Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (anything that gets your heart beating faster) each week and at least 2 days per week of muscle-strengthening activity (anything that makes your muscles work harder than usual). Youth need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Preschool-aged children ages 3 to 5 years need to be active throughout the day — with adult caregivers encouraging active play — to enhance growth and development. Striving toward these goals and then continuing to get physical activity, in some shape or form, contributes to better health outcomes both immediately and over the long term.

For youth, sports offer additional avenues to more physical activity and improved mental health. Youth who participate in sports may enjoy psychosocial health benefits beyond the benefits they gain from other forms of leisure-time physical activity. Psychological health benefits include higher levels of perceived competence, confidence, and self-esteem — not to mention the benefits of team building, leadership, and resilience, which are important skills to apply on the field and throughout life. Research has also shown that youth sports participants have a reduced risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Additionally, team sports participation during adolescence may lead to better mental health outcomes in adulthood (e.g., less anxiety and depression) for people exposed to adverse childhood experiences. In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, sports can be just plain fun.

Physical activity’s implications for significant positive effects on mental health and social well-being are enormous, impacting every facet of life. In fact, because of this national imperative, the presidential executive order that re-established the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition explicitly seeks to “expand national awareness of the importance of mental health as it pertains to physical fitness and nutrition.” While physical activity is not a substitute for mental health treatment when needed and it’s not the answer to certain mental health challenges, it does play a significant role in our emotional and cognitive well-being.

No matter how we choose to be active during the holiday season — or any season — every effort to move counts toward achieving recommended physical activity goals and will have positive impacts on both the mind and the body. Along with preventing diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and the additional risks associated with these comorbidities, physical activity’s positive effect on mental health is yet another important reason to be active and Move Your Way .

As for me… I think it’s time for a walk. Happy and healthy holidays, everyone!

Yours in health, Paul

Paul Reed, MD Rear Admiral, U.S. Public Health Service Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Director, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by ODPHP or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Publications
Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

Advanced Search
Journal List
Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med
v.8(7); 2018 Jul

Health Benefits of Exercise

Gregory n. ruegsegger.

1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211

Frank W. Booth

2 Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211

3 Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211

4 Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211

Overwhelming evidence exists that lifelong exercise is associated with a longer health span, delaying the onset of 40 chronic conditions/diseases. What is beginning to be learned is the molecular mechanisms by which exercise sustains and improves quality of life. The current review begins with two short considerations. The first short presentation concerns the effects of endurance exercise training on cardiovascular fitness, and how it relates to improved health outcomes. The second short section contemplates emerging molecular connections from endurance training to mental health. Finally, approximately half of the remaining review concentrates on the relationships between type 2 diabetes, mitochondria, and endurance training. It is now clear that physical training is complex biology, invoking polygenic interactions within cells, tissues/organs, systems, with remarkable cross talk occurring among the former list.

The aim of this introduction is briefly to document facts that health benefits of physical activity predate its readers. In the 5th century BC, the ancient physician Hippocrates stated: “All parts of the body, if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy and well developed and age slowly; but if they are unused and left idle, they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly.” However, by the 21st century, the belief in the value of exercise for health has faded so considerably, the lack of exercise now presents a major public health problem ( Fig. 1 ) ( Booth et al. 2012 ). Similarly, the lack of exercise was classified as an actual cause of chronic diseases and death ( Mokdad et al. 2004 ).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cshperspectmed-BEX-029694_F1.jpg

Simplistic overview of how physical activity can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and one of its complications, cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity is an actual cause of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and tens of other chronic conditions ( Table 1 ) via interaction with other factors (e.g., age, diet, gender, and genetics) to increase disease risk factors. This leads to chronic disease, reduced quality of life, and premature death. However, physical activity can prevent and, in some cases, treat disease progression associated with physical inactivity and other genetic and environmental factors.

Published in 1953, Jeremy N. Morris and colleagues conducted the first rigorous epidemiological study investigating physical activity and chronic disease risk, in which coronary heart disease (CHD) rates were increased in physically inactive bus drivers versus active conductors ( Morris et al. 1953 ). Since this pioneering report, a plethora of evidence shows that physical inactivity is associated with the development of 40 chronic diseases ( Table 1 ), including major noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CHD, and as premature mortality ( Booth et al. 2012 ).

Worsening of 40 conditions caused by the lack of physical activity with growth, maturation, and aging throughout life span

The breadth of the list implies that a single molecular target will not substitute for appropriate daily physical activity to prevent the loss of all listed items.

In this review, we highlight the far-reaching health benefits of physical activity. However, note that the studies cited here represent only a fraction of the >100,000 studies showing positive associations between the terms “exercise” and “health.” In addition, we discuss how exercise promotes complex integrative responses that lead to multisystem responses to exercise, an underappreciated area of medical research. Finally, we consider how strategies that “mimic” parts of exercise training compare with physical exercise for their potential to combat metabolic disease.

EXERCISE IMPROVES CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS

There is arguably no measure more important for health than cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) (commonly measured by maximal oxygen uptake, VO 2max ) ( Blair et al. 1989 ). For example, Myers et al. (2002 ) showed that each 1 metabolic equivalent (1 MET) increase in exercise-test performance conferred a 12% improvement in survival, stating that “VO 2max is a more powerful predictor of mortality among men than other established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).” Low CRF is also well established as an independent risk factor of T2D ( Booth et al. 2002 ) and CVD morbidity and mortality ( Kodama et al. 2009 ; Gupta et al. 2011 ). Similarly, Kokkinos et al. (2010) reported that men who transitioned from having low to high CRF decreased their mortality risk by ∼50% over an 8-yr period, whereas men who transitioned from having high to low CRF increased their mortality risk by ∼50%.

Importantly then, from the above paragraph, physical activity and inactivity are major environmental modulators of CRF, increasing and decreasing it, respectively, often through independent pathways. Findings from rats selectively bred for high or low intrinsic aerobic capacity show that rats bred for high capacity, which are also more physically active, have 28%–42% increases in life span compared to low-capacity rats ( Koch et al. 2011 ). Endurance exercise is well recognized to improve CRF and cardiometabolic risk factors. Exercise improves numerous factors speculated to limit VO 2max including, but not restricted to, the capacity to transport oxygen (e.g., cardiac output), oxygen diffusion to working muscles (e.g., capillary density, membrane permeability, muscle myoglobin content), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation (e.g., mitochondrial density, protein concentrations).

Data from the HERITAGE Family Study has provided some of the first knowledge of genes associated with VO 2max plasticity because of endurance-exercise training. Following 6 wk of cycling training at 70% of pretraining VO 2max , Timmons et al. (2010) performed messenger RNA (mRNA) expression microarray profiling to identify molecules potentially predicting VO 2max training responses, and then assessed these molecular predictors to determine whether DNA variants in these genes correlated with VO 2max training responses. This approach identified 29 mRNAs in skeletal muscle and 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that predicted ∼50% and ∼23%, respectively, of the variability in VO 2max plasticity following aerobic training ( Timmons et al. 2010 ). Intriguingly, pretraining levels of these mRNAs were greater in subjects that achieved greater increases in VO 2max following aerobic training, and of the 29 mRNAs, >90% were unchanged with aerobic training, suggesting that alternative exercise intervention paradigms or pharmacological strategies may be needed to improve VO 2max in individuals with a low responder profile for the identified predictor genes ( Timmons et al. 2010 ). Keller et al. (2011) found that, in response to endurance training, improvements in VO 2max were associated with effectively up-regulating proangiogenic gene networks and miRNAs influencing the transcription factor–directed networks for runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1), paired box gene 3 (PAC3), and sex-determining region Y box 9 (SOX9). Collectively, these results led the investigators to speculate that improvements in skeletal muscle oxygen sensing and angiogenesis are primary determinates in training responses in VO 2max ( Keller et al. 2011 ).

Clinically important concepts have emerged from the pioneering HERITAGE Family Study. One new clinical concept is that a threshold dose–response relationship influences the percentage of subjects responding with an increase in VO 2max to endurance training volumes (with volume being defined here as the product of intensity × duration), as previously published ( Slentz et al. 2005 , 2007 ). Ross et al. (2015) later extended the aforementioned Slentz et al. studies. After a 24-wk-long endurance training study ( Ross et al. 2015 ), percentages of women and men identified as nonresponders to the training (i.e., defined as not increasing their VO 2peak ) progressively fell inversely to a two stepwise progressive increase in endurance-exercise training volume, as described next. Thirty-nine percent (15 of 39) of training subjects did not increase their VO 2peak in response to the low-amount, low-intensity training; 18% (9 of 51) had no increase in VO 2peak in the group having high-amount, low-intensity training; and 0% (0 of 31) who underwent high-amount, high-intensity training did not increase their VO 2peak . A biological basis for the dose–response relationship in the previous sentence could be made from an analysis of interval training (IT) and IT/continuous-training studies published from 1965 to 2012 ( Bacon et al. 2013 ). A second older concept is being reinvigorated; Bacon et al. (2013) indicate that different endurance-exercise intensities and durations are needed for different systems in the body. They suggest that very short periods of high-intensity endurance-type exercise may be needed to reach a threshold for peripheral metabolic adaptations, but that longer training durations at lower intensities are required to see large changes in maximal cardiac output and VO 2max .

A comparable example exists for resistance training. Maximal resistance loads require a minimum of 2 min/per wk for each muscle group recruited by a specific maneuver to obtain a strength training adaptation [(8 contractions/set × 2 sec/contraction × 3 sets/day) × 2 days/wk) = 96 sec]. As of 2016, one opinion from Sarzynski et al. (2016) for the molecular mechanisms by which endurance exercise drives VO 2max include, but are not limited to, calcium signaling, energy sensing and partitioning, mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, immune functions, and regulation of autophagy and apoptosis.

Perhaps more importantly, lifelong aerobic exercise training preserves VO 2max into old age. CRF generally increases until early adulthood, then declines the remainder of life in sedentary humans ( Astrand 1956 ). The age-related decline in VO 2max is not trivial, as Schneider (2013) reported a ∼40% decline in healthy males and females spanning from 20 to 70 yr of age. However, cross-sectional data show that with lifelong aerobic exercise training, trained individuals often have the same VO 2max as a sedentary individual four decades younger ( Booth et al. 2012 ). Myers et al. (2002) found that low estimated VO 2max increases mortality 4.5-fold compared to high estimated VO 2max . They concluded, “Exercise capacity is a more powerful predictor of mortality among men than other established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.” Given the strong association between CRF, chronic disease, and mortality, we feel identifying the molecular transducers that cause age-related reductions in CRF may have profound implications for improving health span and delaying the onset of chronic disease. In two of our recent papers, transcriptomics was performed on the triceps muscle ( Toedebusch et al. 2016 ) and on the cardiac left ventricle ( Ruegsegger et al. 2017 ). We were addressing the question of what molecule initiates the beginning of the lifelong decline in aerobic capacity with aging. Aerobic capacity (VO 2max ) involves, at a minimum, the next systems/tissues, as oxygen travels through the mouth, airways, pulmonary membrane, pulmonary circulation, left heart, aorta/arteries/capillaries, and sarcoplasm/myoglobin to mitochondria. We allowed female rats access, or no access, to running wheels from 5 to 27 wk of age. Surprisingly, voluntary running had no effect on the delay in the beginning of the lifetime decrease in VO 2max . Our skeletal muscle transcriptomics elicited no molecular targets, whereas gene networks suggestive of influencing maximal stroke volume were identified in the left ventricle transcriptomics ( Ruegsegger et al. 2017 ).

Publications concerning the effects of exercise on the brain (from 54 to 216 papers listed on PubMed from 2007 to 2016) have increased 400%. In addition, a 2016 study ( Schuch et al. 2016 ) of three previous papers reported that humans with low- and moderate-CRF had 76% and 23%, respectively, increased risk of developing depression compared to high CRF in three publications. With this forming trend, the next section will consider exercise and brain health.

EXERCISE IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

Many studies support physical activity as a noninvasive therapy for mental health improvements in cognition ( Beier et al. 2014 ; Bielak et al. 2014 ; Tian et al. 2014 ), depression ( Kratz et al. 2014 ; McKercher et al. 2014 ; Mura et al. 2014 ), anxiety ( Greenwood et al. 2012 ; Nishijima et al. 2013 ; Schoenfeld et al. 2013 ), neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease) ( Bjerring and Arendt-Nielsen 1990 ; Mattson 2014 ), and drug addiction ( Zlebnik et al. 2012 ; Lynch et al. 2013 ; Peterson et al. 2014 ). In 1999, van Praag et al. (1999) showed the survival of newborn cells in the adult mouse dentate gyrus, a hippocampal region important for spatial recognition, is enhanced by voluntary wheel running. Similarly, spatial pattern separation and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus are strongly correlated in 3-mo-old mice following 10 wk of voluntary wheel running ( Creer et al. 2010 ), and the development of new neurons in the dentate gyrus is coupled with the formation of new blood vessels ( Pereira et al. 2007 ). Many exercise-related improvements in cognitive function have been associated with local and systemic expression of growth factors in the hippocampus, notably, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) ( Neeper et al. 1995 ; Cotman and Berchtold 2002 ). BDNF promotes many developmental functions in the brain, including neuronal cell survival, differentiation, migration, dendritic arborization, and synaptic plasticity ( Park and Poo 2013 ). In rat hippocampus, regular exercise promotes a progressive increase in BDNF protein for up to at least 3 mo ( Berchtold et al. 2005 ). In an opposite manner, BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus is rapidly decreased by the cessation of wheel running, suggesting BDNF expression is tightly related to exercise volume ( Widenfalk et al. 1999 ).

Findings by Wrann et al. (2013) highlight one mechanism by which endurance exercise may up-regulate BDNF expression. To summarize, Wrann et al. (2013) noted that exercise increases the activity of the estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) complex, in turn increasing levels of the exercise-secreted factor FNDC5 in skeletal muscle and the hippocampus, whose cleavage products provide beneficial effects in the hippocampus by increasing BDNF gene expression. While future research should determine whether the FNDC5 cleavage-product was produced locally in hippocampal neurons or was secreted into the circulation, this finding eloquently displays one mechanism responsible for brain health benefits following exercise. Similarly, work by van Praag and colleagues suggests that exercise or pharmacological activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle enhances indices of learning and memory, neurogenesis, and gene expression related to mitochondrial function in the hippocampus ( Kobilo et al. 2011 , 2014 ; Guerrieri and van Praag 2015 ).

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), is central to many exercise-induced adaptations in the brain. Like BDNF, physical activity increases circulatory IGF-1 levels and both exercise and infusion of IGF-1 increase BrdU + cell number and survivability in the hippocampus ( Trejo et al. 2001 ). Similarly, the protective effects of exercise on various brain lesions are nullified by anti-IGF-1 antibody ( Carro et al. 2001 ).

In 1979, Greist et al. (1979) provided evidence that running reduced depression symptoms similarly to psychotherapy. However, the precise mechanisms by which exercise prevents and/or treats depression remain largely unknown. Of the proposed mechanisms, increases in the availability of brain neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, serotonin) are perhaps the best studied. For example, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine formation, in the striatum, an area of the brain's reward system, is increased following 7 days of treadmill running in an intensity-dependent manner ( Hattori et al. 1994 ). Voluntary wheel running is also highly rewarding in rats, and voluntary wheel running in rats lowers the motivation to self-administer cocaine, suggesting exercise may be a viable strategy in the fight against drug addiction ( Larson and Carroll 2005 ).

Similar to the above examples, secreted factors from skeletal muscle have been linked to the regulation of depression. Agudelo et al. (2014) showed that exercise training in mice and humans, and overexpression of skeletal muscle PGC-1α1, leads to robust increases in kynurenine amino transferase (KAT) expression in skeletal muscle, an enzyme whose activity protects from stress-induced increases in depression in the brain by converting kynurenine into kynurenic acid. Additionally, overexpression of PGC-1α1 in skeletal muscle left mice resistant to stress, as evaluated by various behavioral assays indicative of depression ( Agudelo et al. 2014 ). Simultaneously, they report gene expression related to synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, such as BDNF and CamkII, were unaffected by chronic mild stress compared to wild-type mice. Collectively, these findings suggest exercise-induced increases in skeletal muscle PGC-1α1 may be an important regulator of KAT expression in skeletal muscle, which, via modulation in plasma kynurenine levels, may alleviate stress-induced depression and promote hippocampal neuronal plasticity.

TYPE 2 DIABETES, MITOCHONDRIA, AND EXERCISE

T2d predictions show a pandemic.

In a 2001 Diabetes Care article ( Boyle et al. 2001 ), investigators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) predicted 29 million U.S. cases of T2D would be present in 2050. Unfortunately, the 2001 prediction of 29 million was reached in 2012! For 2012, the American Diabetes Association reported that 29 million Americans had diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D, which was 9% of the American population ( Dwyer-Lindgren et al. 2016 ). More rapid increases in T2D are now predicted by the CDC than in the previous estimate. The CDC now predicts a doubling or tripling in T2D in 2050. The tripling would mean that one out of three U.S. adults would have T2D in their lifetime by 2050 ( Boyle et al. 2010 ), which would be >100 million U.S. cases. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports T2D cases worldwide. In 2015, the IDF reported that 344 and 416 million North American (including Caribbean) and worldwide adults, respectively, had T2D. Furthermore, the IDF predicts for 2040 that 413 and 642 million, respectively, will have T2D. In sum, T2D is now pandemic, and the pandemic will increase in numbers without current apparent action within the general public.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence Is Based on a Strong Genetic Predisposition

The Framingham study found that T2D risk in offspring was 3.5-fold and sixfold higher for a single and two diabetic parent(s), respectively, as compared to nondiabetic offspring ( Meigs et al. 2000 ). Thus, T2D is gene-based.

Noncoding regions of the human genome contain >90% of the >100 variants associated with both T2D and related traits that were observed in genome-wide association studies ( Scott et al. 2016 ). Another 2016 paper ( Kwak and Park 2016 ) lists at least 75 independent genetic loci that are associated with T2D. Taken together, T2D is a complex genetic disease ( Scott et al. 2016 ).

Type 2 Diabetes Is Modulated by Lifestyle, with Exercise as the More Powerful Lifestyle Factor

Three large-scale epidemiological studies have been performed on prediabetics, each in a different geographical location. The first study, and only study to have separate study arms for diet and exercise, was in China. The pure exercise intervention group had a 46% reduction in the onset of T2D, relative to the nontreated group, after 6 yr of the study ( Pan et al. 1997 ). Diet alone reduced T2D by 31% in the Chinese study. The second study on T2D was the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. It found a 58% reduction in T2D in the lifestyle intervention (combined diet and exercise) in its 522 prediabetic subjects after a mean study duration of 3.2 yr ( Tuomilehto et al. 2001 ). The latest of the three studies was in the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program. The large randomized trial ( n = 3150 prediabetics) was stopped after 2.8 yr, because of harm to the control group. T2D prevalence in the high-risk adults was reduced by 58% with intensive lifestyle (diet and exercise) intervention, whereas the drug arm (metformin) of the study only reduced T2D by 31%, both compared to the noninnervation group ( Knowler et al. 2002 ). Thus, if differences in genetics in the above three differing ethnicities are not a factor, combined exercise and diet remain more effective in T2D prevention than the drug metformin two decades ago.

Exercise Increases Glucose by Signaling Independent of the Insulin Receptor

A single exercise bout increases glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, sidestepping the insulin receptor and thus insulin resistance in T2D patients ( Holloszy and Narahara 1965 ; Goodyear and Kahn 1998 ; Holloszy 2005 ). After insulin binding to its receptor, insulin initiates a downstream signaling cascade of tyrosine autophosphorylation of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) binding and phosphorylation, activation of a PI3K-dependent pathway, including key downstream regulators protein kinase B (Akt) and the Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), ultimately promoting glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane ( Rockl et al. 2008 ; Stanford and Goodyear 2014 ). Despite normal GLUT4 levels, insulin fails to induce GLUT4 translocation in T2D ( Zierath et al. 2000 ). However, exercise activates a downstream insulin-signaling pathway at AS160 and TBC1 domain family member 1 (TBC1D1) ( Deshmukh et al. 2006 ; Maarbjerg et al. 2011 ), facilitating GLUT4 expression translocation to the plasma membrane independent of the insulin receptor. We contend that exercise could be considered as a very powerful tool to primarily attenuate the T2D pandemic.

Complex Biology of T2D Interactions with the Complex Biology of Exercise

An important consideration from the above is that T2D is such a genetically complex disease that a single gene has not been proven to be sufficiently causal to be effective, at this stage in time, to be a successful target for pharmacological treatment. The expectation for a single molecule target has been met for infectious diseases, which are often monogenic diseases. For example, a vaccine against smallpox was highly successful. Edward Jenner in 1796 produced the first successful vaccine. An important fact is that exercise is genetically complex. The literature allows us to speculate that exercise is at least as genetically complex as the approximately 75 genes associated with T2D ( Kwak and Park 2016 ). An example indicating that exercise is complex biology follows. RNA sequencing analysis of all 119 vastus lateralis muscle biopsies found that endurance training for 4 days/wk for 12 wk produced the differential expression of 3404 putative isoforms, belonging to 2624 different genes, many associated with oxidative ATP production in 23 women and men aged 29 yr old ( Lindholm et al. 2016 ). Our notion is that over 2600 genes suggests complex biology.

A “Case-Type” Study of the Molecular Underpinnings of Exercise, Mitochondria, and T2D Interactions

A PubMed search for the terms “diabetes mitochondria exercise molecular” elicited 74 papers. We arbitrarily selected some of the most recent 50 (spanning from mid-2014 into January 2017), with the assumption they would be representative of any other papers that we did not find in our search. Papers fell into our two arbitrary categories of single gene studies versus “omic”-type studies. First, subcategories of studies that develop themes will be arbitrarily presented.

Recent Studies Show Single Gene Manipulation Alters Mitochondrial Level and Running Performance

Numerous reports in the past couple of years observed that single gene manipulations increase mitochondrial gene expression and activity, which was also associated with increased exercise performance/capacity. A few of these are presented below:

Irisin was shown to increase oxidative metabolism in myocytes and increase PGC-1α mRNA and protein ( Vaughan et al. 2014 ), which extends the first observation made earlier in adipose tissue by Spiegelman ( Bostrom et al. 2012 ).
Patients with impaired glucose tolerance underwent low-intensity exercise training. Patients whose mitochondrial markers increased to levels that were measured in a separate cohort of nonexercised healthy individuals recovered normal glucose tolerance ( Osler et al. 2015 ). In opposition, those patients whose mitochondria markers did not improve, remained with impaired glucose tolerance.
In 2003, muscle PGC-1α mRNA was shown to be induced by endurance-exercise training in human skeletal muscle ( Short et al. 2003 ). PGC-1α was shown to have multiple isoforms ( Lin et al. 2002 ). After a 60-min cycling bout, human vastus lateralis biopsies were taken from both sexes in their mid-20s. Additional biopsies were taken 30 min, and at 2, 6, and 24 hr postexercise. At 30 min postexercise, PGC-1α-ex1b mRNA and PGC-1α mRNA increased 468- and 2.4-fold, respectively, whereas PGC-1α-ex1b protein and PGC-1α protein increased 3.1-fold and no change, respectively. Gidlund et al. (2015 ) interprets the above data as implying PGC-1α-ex1b could be responsible for other changes that have previously been recorded before the increase in total PGC-1α postexercise.
Mice with knockout of the kinin B1 receptor gene had higher mitochondrial DNA quantification and of mRNA levels of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and had higher exercise times to exhaustion, but did not have higher VO 2max ( Reis et al. 2015 ).
Mice do not normally express cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which is a lipid transfer protein that shuttles lipids between serum lipoproteins and tissues. Overexpression of CETP in mice after 6 wk on a high-fat diet increased treadmill running duration and distance, mitochondrial oxidation of glutamate/malate, but not palmitoylcarnitine oxidation, and doubled PGC-1α mRNA concentration ( Cappel et al. 2015 ).
The myokine musclin is a peptide secreted from exercising muscle during treadmill running. Removal of musclin release during running results in lowered VO 2max , lower skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and respiratory complex protein expression, and reduced exercise tolerance ( Subbotina et al. 2015 ).
Lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), which produces pyruvate from lactate, was overexpressed in mouse skeletal muscle. Increases in markers of skeletal muscle mitochondria were associated with increased running distance in a progressive speed test, and increased peak VO 2 ( Liang et al. 2016 ).
Another example of endurance-type exercise adaptations is the 2016 paper that transcription factor EB (TFEB) regulates metabolic flexibility in skeletal muscle independent of PGC-1α during endurance-type exercise ( Mansueto et al. 2017 ). Lack of metabolic flexibility, termed “metabolic inflexibility,” is important because it is common in T2D. One definition of metabolic inflexibility is its inability to rapidly switch between glucose and fatty acid substrates for ATP production when nutrient availability changes from high blood glucose levels immediately after a meal to decreasing below 100 mg/dl when not eating for hours after a meal. A clinical consequence of T2D-induced metabolic inflexibility is prolonged periods of hyperglycemia, because skeletal muscle is more insulin insensitive in T2D. In contrast, after sufficient endurance exercise, skeletal muscle increases its insulin sensitivity by a second pathway that is independent of proximal postreceptor insulin signaling (see Stephenson et al. 2014 for further discussion).

Studies Showing that Manipulation of One Signaling Molecule Does Not Alter Expression of All Genes with Mitochondrial Functions Found in Skeletal Muscles of Wild-Type Animals to Exercise Training

A 2010 review article ( Lira et al. 2010 ) concludes from gene-deletion studies that p38γ MAPK/PGC-1α signaling controls mitochondrial biogenesis’ adaptation to endurance exercise in skeletal muscle. Two studies do not completely agree with the conclusion in the review article. The Pilegaard laboratory published a 2008 study ( Leick et al. 2008 ) that did not confirm their hypothesis that PGC-1α was required for every metabolic protein adaptive increase after endurance-exercise training by skeletal muscle. They reported that PGC-1α was not required for endurance-training-induced increases in ALAS1, COXI, and cytochrome c expression ( Leick et al. 2008 ). Their interpretation, at that time, was that molecules other than PGC-1α can exert exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptations. A second study published in 2012 rendered a similar verdict. A 12-day program of endurance training led to the middle portion of the gastrocnemius muscle demonstrating a similar 60% increase in mitochondrial density in both wild-type and PGC-1α muscle-specific knockout mice (Myo-PGC-1αKO) ( Rowe et al. 2012 ). The paper concludes that PGC-1α is dispensable for endurance-exercise’s induction of skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations.

Exercise signaling targets have actions that are independent of PGC-1α, which is specific to endurance exercise. In 2002, two groups identified PGC-1β, a transcriptional coactivator closely related to PGC-1α ( Kressler et al. 2002 ; Lin et al. 2002 ). Later in 2012, the PGC-1α4 variant of PGC-1α was found to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength ( Ruas et al. 2012 ). The importance of the finding of a PGC-1α variant is that it partially explains the phenotypic variation for differing types of exercise. Since the 1970s ( Holloszy and Booth 1976 ), it has been appreciated that the biochemical and anatomical observations between endurance and resistance differed. For example, Holloszy and Booth (1976) noted in 1976 that, whereas endurance-type exercise markedly increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial density with very minor increases in muscle fiber diameter, strength-type exercise, in contrast, increased muscle fiber diameter without increases in skeletal muscle mitochondrial density. Taken together, a drug specific for PGC-1α will not likely mimic separate physical training for endurance, strength/resistance, and coordination types of exercise in the same subject. Thus, the common usage of the term exercise capacity is a misnomer because endurance training and resistance training were shown to have different exercise capacity phenotypes very long ago.

In a 2015 Diabetes paper ( Wong et al. 2015 ), Muoio’s laboratory concluded that changes in glucose tolerance and total body fat depended upon how much energy is expended in contracting muscle rather than muscle mitochondrial content or substrate selection. A finding to support the previous sentence was the glucose tolerance tests (GTTs). MCK-PGC-1α mice and their nontransgenic (NT) littermates were not different in GTT, with both being the most glucose intolerant after 10 wk of high-fat feeding. Adding 10 wk of voluntary wheel running to the two high-fat-feed groups during the next 10-wk period (weeks 11–20 of the experiment) lowered the glucose intolerance, and then during weeks 21–30 of the experiment, glucose intolerance was further lowered by adding 25% caloric restriction with the high-fat food and running during the final 10 wk. The percentage weight lost after 30 wk of high-fat feeding was positively related to greater running distances. No single front-runner gene candidate could be identified by principle component analysis. Taken together, the paper suggests “doubts” that pharmacological exercise mimetics that increase muscle oxidative capacity will be effective antiobesity and/or antidiabetic agents. Rather, Muoio and investigators suggest energy expenditure by muscle contraction induces localized shifts in energy balance inside the muscle fiber, which then initiates a broad network of metabolic intermediates regulating nutrient sensing and insulin action. A further discussion of complex biology produced by polygenicity continues next.

POLYGENICITY OF EXERCISE LEADS TO COMPLEX MULTISYSTEM RESPONSES TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES

Multiples tissues, organs, and systems are influenced by physical activity, or the lack thereof ( Table 2 ).

Worsening of maximal functioning in selected major organ/tissue/systems that are caused by the lack of physical activity with growth, maturation, and aging

The higher their maximal function is before the end of each item’s maturation, the longer chances are that the quality of life will remain optimal. The breadth of the list implies that a single molecular target will not substitute for appropriate daily physical activity to prevent the loss of all listed items.

To present one extreme, that most will agree, one molecule will not describe the 1000s of molecules adapting to aerobic, resistance, and coordination exercise training. On the opposite extreme, many could likely agree that usage of the various “omics” underlying all adaptations to physical activity will differ (i.e., not be identical in most aspects) among the next list: various cell types within a tissue/organ, tissues/organs, and various intensities of physical activity (i.e., the thresholds among gene responses for health benefits will differ because of the presence of responders and nonresponders, or protein isoform type); during various types cycling (circadian or menstrual); postprandial versus fasting between meals; male and female; child, adult, and the elderly; trained and untrained; aerobic- and resistance-exercise types; and so forth. Others have repetitively written that only ∼59% of the risk reduction for all forms of CVD have been shown to be caused by effects through traditional factors ( Mora et al. 2007 ; Joyner and Green 2009 ). Thus, we pose the next question: what is the identity of all molecules in the yet-to-be-discovered gap between our knowledge of single gene functions and the totality of personalized prescription of physical activity to maximize the period of life free of any chronic disease, termed health span?

While approaches using single-gene manipulations are valuable tools, research must also focus on integrating exercise-responsive molecules into networks that maintain or improve health. This process will reveal complex, multisystem, polygenic networking essential for the advancement of many goals pertaining to exercise physiology, such as tailoring exercise prescriptions and implementing personalized medicine. One example is the developing myokine network with auto-, para-, and endocrine molecules. The first myokine interleukin (IL)-6 began to be described as early as 1994 by the Pedersen laboratory ( Ullum et al. 1994 ), with a history of its development as the first exercise myokine recounted in 2007 ( Pedersen et al. 2007 ). Since their discovery, myokine action within and at a distance from their origins in skeletal muscle have been increasingly studied, as schematically illustrated by Schnyder and Handschin (2015) ( Fig. 2 ).

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cshperspectmed-BEX-029694_F2.jpg

Figure provides an illustration of myokine production by skeletal muscle for actions within or at a distance. Myokine release promotes a high degree of intertissue cross talk. CNTF, Ciliary neurotrophic factor; OSM, oncostatin M; IL, interleukin; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor. (From Schnyder and Handschin 2015 ; reprinted, with permission, courtesy of PMC Open Access.)

Similarly, maximal aerobic exercise is accompanied by tremendous stress on many systems, yet whole-body homeostasis is remarkably maintained. For example, world-class endurance athletes can increase whole-body energy production well over 20-fold ( Joyner and Coyle 2008 ), whereas maintaining blood glucose concentrations at resting levels ( Wasserman 2009 ). Intuitively, such effort would require sophisticated interorgan cross talk and polygenic integration of numerous functions.

Exercise Provides Too Many Benefits to “Fit into a Single Pill”

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, most adults and many children lead relatively sedentary lifestyles and are not active enough to achieve the health benefits of exercise ( Warburton et al. 2006 ; Fried 2016 ). Accelerometry measurements suggest that >90% of U.S. individuals >12 yr of age and ∼50% of children aged 6–11 yr old fail to meet U.S. Federal physical activity guidelines ( Troiano et al. 2008 ). Given this incredibly low compliance, the identification of genetic and/or orally active agents that mimic the effects of endurance exercise might have high appeal for a majority of sedentary individuals. This high appeal has led to recent identification/development of exercise “mimetics.” In 2009, we set criteria for proper usage of the term “exercise mimetic,” based upon its common usage ( Booth and Laye 2009 ). We gave the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of mimetic, “A synthetic compound that produces the same (or a very similar) effect as another (especially a naturally occurring) compound.” While many exercise “mimetics” activate signaling pathways commonly associated with muscle endurance, these agents have not completely mimicked all effects for all types of exercise. For example, the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), when given daily to rats over a 5-wk-period, did not increase maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2peak ) in the sedentary group of rats that were forced to run to VO 2peak on treadmills, as compared to sedentary rats receiving the vehicle ( Toedebusch et al. 2016 ). Thus, in our opinion, the published claim ( Narkar et al. 2008 ) that AICAR is an exercise mimetic is invalidated because it did not increase VO 2peak . While these agents may undoubtedly have specific health benefits, it is currently impractical to assume that all of the benefits of exercise can be replaced by “exercise mimetics.”

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Exercise is a powerful tool in the fight to prevent and treat numerous chronic diseases ( Table 1 ). Given its whole-body, health-promoting nature, the integrative responses to exercise should surely attract a great detail of interest as the notion of “exercise is medicine” continues to its integration into clinical settings.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors disclose no conflicts of interest. Partial funding for this project was obtained from grants awarded to G.N.R. (AHA 16PRE2715005).

Editors: Juleen R. Zierath, Michael J. Joyner, and John A. Hawley

Additional Perspectives on The Biology of Exercise available at www.perspectivesinmedicine.org

Agudelo LZ, Femenia T, Orhan F, Porsmyr-Palmertz M, Goiny M, Martinez-Redondo V, Correia JC, Izadi M, Bhat M, Schuppe-Koistinen I, et al. 2014. Skeletal muscle PGC-1α1 modulates kynurenine metabolism and mediates resilience to stress-induced depression . Cell 159 : 33–45. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Astrand PO. 1956. Human physical fitness with special reference to sex and age . Physiol Rev 36 : 307–335. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Bacon AP, Carter RE, Ogle EA, Joyner MJ. 2013. VO 2max trainability and high intensity interval training in humans: A meta-analysis . PLoS ONE 8 : e73182. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Beier M, Bombardier CH, Hartoonian N, Motl RW, Kraft GH. 2014. Improved physical fitness correlates with improved cognition in multiple sclerosis . Arch Phys Med Rehabil 95 : 1328–1334. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Berchtold NC, Chinn G, Chou M, Kesslak JP, Cotman CW. 2005. Exercise primes a molecular memory for brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein induction in the rat hippocampus . Neuroscience 133 : 853–861. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Bielak AA, Cherbuin N, Bunce D, Anstey KJ. 2014. Preserved differentiation between physical activity and cognitive performance across young, middle, and older adulthood over 8 years . J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 69 : 523–532. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Bjerring P, Arendt-Nielsen L. 1990. Inhibition of histamine skin flare reaction following repeated topical applications of capsaicin . Allergy 45 : 121–125. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Blair SN, Kohl HW III, Paffenbarger RS Jr, Clark DG, Cooper KH, Gibbons LW. 1989. Physical fitness and all-cause mortality. A prospective study of healthy men and women . JAMA 262 : 2395–2401. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Booth FW, Laye MJ. 2009. Lack of adequate appreciation of physical exercise’s complexities can preempt appropriate design and interpretation in scientific discovery . J Physiol 587 : 5527–5539. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Booth FW, Chakravarthy MV, Gordon SE, Spangenburg EE. 2002. Waging war on physical inactivity: Using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy . J Appl Physiol (1985) 93 : 3–30. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Booth FW, Roberts CK, Laye MJ. 2012. Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases . Compr Physiol 2 : 1143–1211. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Bostrom P, Wu J, Jedrychowski MP, Korde A, Ye L, Lo JC, Rasbach KA, Bostrom EA, Choi JH, Long JZ, et al. 2012. A PGC1-α-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat and thermogenesis . Nature 481 : 463–468. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Boyle JP, Honeycutt AA, Narayan KM, Hoerger TJ, Geiss LS, Chen H, Thompson TJ. 2001. Projection of diabetes burden through 2050: Impact of changing demography and disease prevalence in the U.S . Diabetes Care 24 : 1936–1940. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Boyle JP, Thompson TJ, Gregg EW, Barker LE, Williamson DF. 2010. Projection of the year 2050 burden of diabetes in the US adult population: Dynamic modeling of incidence, mortality, and prediabetes prevalence . Popul Health Metr 8 : 29. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Cappel DA, Lantier L, Palmisano BT, Wasserman DH, Stafford JM. 2015. CETP expression protects female mice from obesity-induced decline in exercise capacity . PLoS ONE 10 : e0136915. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Carro E, Trejo JL, Busiguina S, Torres-Aleman I. 2001. Circulating insulin-like growth factor I mediates the protective effects of physical exercise against brain insults of different etiology and anatomy . J Neurosci 21 : 5678–5684. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Cotman CW, Berchtold NC. 2002. Exercise: A behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity . Trends Neurosci 25 : 295–301. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Creer DJ, Romberg C, Saksida LM, van Praag H, Bussey TJ. 2010. Running enhances spatial pattern separation in mice . Proc Natl Acad Sci 107 : 2367–2372. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Deshmukh A, Coffey VG, Zhong Z, Chibalin AV, Hawley JA, Zierath JR. 2006. Exercise-induced phosphorylation of the novel Akt substrates AS160 and filamin A in human skeletal muscle . Diabetes 55 : 1776–1782. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Dwyer-Lindgren L, Mackenbach JP, van Lenthe FJ, Flaxman AD, Mokdad AH. 2016. Diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes prevalence by county in the U.S., 1999–2012 . Diabetes Care 39 : 1556–1562. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Fried LP. 2016. Interventions for human frailty: Physical activity as a model . Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025916. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
Gidlund EK, Ydfors M, Appel S, Rundqvist H, Sundberg CJ, Norrbom J. 2015. Rapidly elevated levels of PGC-1α-b protein in human skeletal muscle after exercise: Exploring regulatory factors in a randomized controlled trial . J Appl Physiol (1985) 119 : 374–384. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Goodyear LJ, Kahn BB. 1998. Exercise, glucose transport, and insulin sensitivity . Annu Rev Med 49 : 235–261. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Greenwood BN, Loughridge AB, Sadaoui N, Christianson JP, Fleshner M. 2012. The protective effects of voluntary exercise against the behavioral consequences of uncontrollable stress persist despite an increase in anxiety following forced cessation of exercise . Behav Brain Res 233 : 314–321. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Greist JH, Klein MH, Eischens RR, Faris J, Gurman AS, Morgan WP. 1979. Running as treatment for depression . Compr Psychiatry 20 : 41–54. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Guerrieri D, van Praag H. 2015. Exercise-mimetic AICAR transiently benefits brain function . Oncotarget 6 : 18293–18313. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Gupta S, Rohatgi A, Ayers CR, Willis BL, Haskell WL, Khera A, Drazner MH, de Lemos JA, Berry JD. 2011. Cardiorespiratory fitness and classification of risk of cardiovascular disease mortality . Circulation 123 : 1377–1383. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Hattori S, Naoi M, Nishino H. 1994. Striatal dopamine turnover during treadmill running in the rat: Relation to the speed of running . Brain Res Bull 35 : 41–49. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Holloszy JO. 2005. Exercise-induced increase in muscle insulin sensitivity . J Appl Physiol (1985) 99 : 338–343. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Holloszy JO, Booth FW. 1976. Biochemical adaptations to endurance exercise in muscle . Annu Rev Physiol 38 : 273–291. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Holloszy JO, Narahara HT. 1965. Studies of tissue permeability. X: Changes in permeability to 3-methylglucose associated with contraction of isolated frog muscle . J Biol Chem 240 : 3493–3500. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Joyner MJ, Coyle EF. 2008. Endurance exercise performance: The physiology of champions . J Physiol 586 : 35–44. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Joyner MJ, Green DJ. 2009. Exercise protects the cardiovascular system: Effects beyond traditional risk factors . J Physiol 587 : 5551–5558. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Keller P, Vollaard NB, Gustafsson T, Gallagher IJ, Sundberg CJ, Rankinen T, Britton SL, Bouchard C, Koch LG, Timmons JA. 2011. A transcriptional map of the impact of endurance exercise training on skeletal muscle phenotype . J Appl Physiol (1985) 110 : 46–59. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM, Walker EA, Nathan DM. 2002. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin . N Engl J Med 346 : 393–403. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kobilo T, Yuan C, van Praag H. 2011. Endurance factors improve hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial memory in mice . Learn Mem 18 : 103–107. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kobilo T, Guerrieri D, Zhang Y, Collica SC, Becker KG, van Praag H. 2014. AMPK agonist AICAR improves cognition and motor coordination in young and aged mice . Learn Mem 21 : 119–126. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Koch LG, Kemi OJ, Qi N, Leng SX, Bijma P, Gilligan LJ, Wilkinson JE, Wisloff H, Hoydal MA, Rolim N, et al. 2011. Intrinsic aerobic capacity sets a divide for aging and longevity . Circ Res 109 : 1162–1172. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kodama S, Saito K, Tanaka S, Maki M, Yachi Y, Asumi M, Sugawara A, Totsuka K, Shimano H, Ohashi Y, et al. 2009. Cardiorespiratory fitness as a quantitative predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in healthy men and women: A meta-analysis . JAMA 301 : 2024–2035. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kokkinos P, Myers J, Faselis C, Panagiotakos DB, Doumas M, Pittaras A, Manolis A, Kokkinos JP, Karasik P, Greenberg M, et al. 2010. Exercise capacity and mortality in older men: A 20-year follow-up study . Circulation 122 : 790–797. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kratz AL, Ehde DM, Bombardier CH. 2014. Affective mediators of a physical activity intervention for depression in multiple sclerosis . Rehabil Psychol 59 : 57–67. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kressler D, Schreiber SN, Knutti D, Kralli A. 2002. The PGC-1-related protein PERC is a selective coactivator of estrogen receptor α . J Biol Chem 277 : 13918–13925. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Kwak SH, Park KS. 2016. Recent progress in genetic and epigenetic research on type 2 diabetes . Exp Mol Med 48 : e220. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Larson EB, Carroll ME. 2005. Wheel running as a predictor of cocaine self-administration and reinstatement in female rats . Pharmacol Biochem Behav 82 : 590–600. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Leick L, Wojtaszewski JF, Johansen ST, Kiilerich K, Comes G, Hellsten Y, Hidalgo J, Pilegaard H. 2008. PGC-1α is not mandatory for exercise- and training-induced adaptive gene responses in mouse skeletal muscle . Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 294 : E463–E474. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Liang X, Liu L, Fu T, Zhou Q, Zhou D, Xiao L, Liu J, Kong Y, Xie H, Yi F, et al. 2016. Exercise inducible lactate dehydrogenase B regulates mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle . J Biol Chem 291 : 25306–25318. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Lin J, Puigserver P, Donovan J, Tarr P, Spiegelman BM. 2002. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 β (PGC-1β ), a novel PGC-1-related transcription coactivator associated with host cell factor . J Biol Chem 277 : 1645–1648. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Lindholm ME, Giacomello S, Werne Solnestam B, Fischer H, Huss M, Kjellqvist S, Sundberg CJ. 2016. The impact of endurance training on human skeletal muscle memory, global isoform expression and novel transcripts . PLoS Genet 12 : e1006294. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Lira VA, Benton CR, Yan Z, Bonen A. 2010. PGC-1α regulation by exercise training and its influences on muscle function and insulin sensitivity . Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 299 : E145–E161. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Lynch WJ, Peterson AB, Sanchez V, Abel J, Smith MA. 2013. Exercise as a novel treatment for drug addiction: A neurobiological and stage-dependent hypothesis . Neurosci Biobehav Rev 37 : 1622–1644. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Maarbjerg SJ, Sylow L, Richter EA. 2011. Current understanding of increased insulin sensitivity after exercise—Emerging candidates . Acta Physiol (Oxf) 202 : 323–335. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Mansueto G, Armani A, Viscomi C, D’Orsi L, De Cegli R, Polishchuk EV, Lamperti C, Di Meo I, Romanello V, Marchet S, et al. 2017. Transcription factor EB controls metabolic flexibility during exercise . Cell Metab 25 : 182–196. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Mattson MP. 2014. Interventions that improve body and brain bioenergetics for Parkinson’s disease risk reduction and therapy . J Parkinsons Dis 4 : 1–13. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
McKercher C, Sanderson K, Schmidt MD, Otahal P, Patton GC, Dwyer T, Venn AJ. 2014. Physical activity patterns and risk of depression in young adulthood: A 20-year cohort study since childhood . Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 49 : 1823–1834. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Meigs JB, Cupples LA, Wilson PW. 2000. Parental transmission of type 2 diabetes: The Framingham Offspring Study . Diabetes 49 : 2201–2207. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. 2004. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000 . JAMA 291 : 1238–1245. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Mora S, Cook N, Buring JE, Ridker PM, Lee IM. 2007. Physical activity and reduced risk of cardiovascular events: Potential mediating mechanisms . Circulation 116 : 2110–2118. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Morris JN, Heady JA, Raffle PA, Roberts CG, Parks JW. 1953. Coronary heart-disease and physical activity of work . Lancet 265 : 1053–1057. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Mura G, Moro MF, Patten SB, Carta MG. 2014. Exercise as an add-on strategy for the treatment of major depressive disorder: A systematic review . CNS Spectr 19 : 496–508. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Myers J, Prakash M, Froelicher V, Do D, Partington S, Atwood JE. 2002. Exercise capacity and mortality among men referred for exercise testing . N Engl J Med 346 : 793–801. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Narkar VA, Downes M, Yu RT, Embler E, Wang YX, Banayo E, Mihaylova MM, Nelson MC, Zou Y, Juguilon H, et al. 2008. AMPK and PPARδ agonists are exercise mimetics . Cell 134 : 405–415. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Neeper SA, Gomez-Pinilla F, Choi J, Cotman C. 1995. Exercise and brain neurotrophins . Nature 373 : 109. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Nishijima T, Llorens-Martin M, Tejeda GS, Inoue K, Yamamura Y, Soya H, Trejo JL, Torres-Aleman I. 2013. Cessation of voluntary wheel running increases anxiety-like behavior and impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice . Behav Brain Res 245 : 34–41. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Osler ME, Fritz T, Caidahl K, Krook A, Zierath JR, Wallberg-Henriksson H. 2015. Changes in gene expression in responders and nonresponders to a low-intensity walking intervention . Diabetes Care 38 : 1154–1160. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Pan XR, Li GW, Hu YH, Wang JX, Yang WY, An ZX, Hu ZX, Lin J, Xiao JZ, Cao HB, et al. 1997. Effects of diet and exercise in preventing NIDDM in people with impaired glucose tolerance. The Da Qing IGT and Diabetes Study . Diabetes Care 20 : 537–544. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Park H, Poo MM. 2013. Neurotrophin regulation of neural circuit development and function . Nat Rev Neurosci 14 : 7–23. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Pedersen BK, Akerstrom TC, Nielsen AR, Fischer CP. 2007. Role of myokines in exercise and metabolism . J Appl Physiol (1985) 103 : 1093–1098. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Pereira AC, Huddleston DE, Brickman AM, Sosunov AA, Hen R, McKhann GM, Sloan R, Gage FH, Brown TR, Small SA. 2007. An in vivo correlate of exercise-induced neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus . Proc Natl Acad Sci 104 : 5638–5643. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Peterson AB, Hivick DP, Lynch WJ. 2014. Dose-dependent effectiveness of wheel running to attenuate cocaine-seeking: Impact of sex and estrous cycle in rats . Psychopharmacology (Berl) 231 : 2661–2670. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Reis FC, Haro AS, Bacurau AV, Hirabara SM, Wasinski F, Ormanji MS, Moreira JB, Kiyomoto BH, Bertoncini CR, Brum PC, et al. 2015. Deletion of kinin B2 receptor alters muscle metabolism and exercise performance . PLoS ONE 10 : e0134844. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Rockl KS, Witczak CA, Goodyear LJ. 2008. Signaling mechanisms in skeletal muscle: Acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise . IUBMB Life 60 : 145–153. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Ross R, de Lannoy L, Stotz PJ. 2015. Separate effects of intensity and amount of exercise on interindividual cardiorespiratory fitness response . Mayo Clin Proc 90 : 1506–1514. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Rowe GC, El-Khoury R, Patten IS, Rustin P, Arany Z. 2012. PGC-1α is dispensable for exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle . PLoS ONE 7 : e41817. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Ruas JL, White JP, Rao RR, Kleiner S, Brannan KT, Harrison BC, Greene NP, Wu J, Estall JL, Irving BA, et al. 2012. A PGC-1α isoform induced by resistance training regulates skeletal muscle hypertrophy . Cell 151 : 1319–1331. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Ruegsegger GN, Toedebusch RG, Braselton JF, Childs TE, Booth FW. 2017. Left ventricle transcriptomic analysis reveals connective tissue accumulation associates with initial age-dependent decline in VO 2peak from its lifetime apex . Physiol Genomics 49 : 53–66. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Sarzynski MA, Ghosh S, Bouchard C. 2016. Genomic and transcriptomic predictors of response levels to endurance exercise training . J Physiol 10.1113/JP272559. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
Schneider J. 2013. Age dependency of oxygen uptake and related parameters in exercise testing: An expert opinion on reference values suitable for adults . Lung 191 : 449–458. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Schnyder S, Handschin C. 2015. Skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ: PGC-1α, myokines and exercise . Bone 80 : 115–125. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Schoenfeld TJ, Rada P, Pieruzzini PR, Hsueh B, Gould E. 2013. Physical exercise prevents stress-induced activation of granule neurons and enhances local inhibitory mechanisms in the dentate gyrus . J Neurosci 33 : 7770–7777. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, Sui X, Rosenbaum S, Firth J, Richards J, Ward PB, Stubbs B. 2016. Are lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness associated with incident depression? A systematic review of prospective cohort studies . Prev Med 93 : 159–165. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Scott LJ, Erdos MR, Huyghe JR, Welch RP, Beck AT, Wolford BN, Chines PS, Didion JP, Narisu N, Stringham HM, et al. 2016. The genetic regulatory signature of type 2 diabetes in human skeletal muscle . Nat Commun 7 : 11764. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Short KR, Vittone JL, Bigelow ML, Proctor DN, Rizza RA, Coenen-Schimke JM, Nair KS. 2003. Impact of aerobic exercise training on age-related changes in insulin sensitivity and muscle oxidative capacity . Diabetes 52 : 1888–1896. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Slentz CA, Aiken LB, Houmard JA, Bales CW, Johnson JL, Tanner CJ, Duscha BD, Kraus WE. 2005. Inactivity, exercise, and visceral fat. STRRIDE: A randomized, controlled study of exercise intensity and amount . J Appl Physiol (1985) 99 : 1613–1618. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Slentz CA, Houmard JA, Kraus WE. 2007. Modest exercise prevents the progressive disease associated with physical inactivity . Exerc Sport Sci Rev 35 : 18–23. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Stanford KI, Goodyear LJ. 2014. Exercise and type 2 diabetes: Molecular mechanisms regulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscle . Adv Physiol Educ 38 : 308–314. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Stephenson EJ, Smiles W, Hawley JA. 2014. The relationship between exercise, nutrition and type 2 diabetes . Med Sport Sci 60 : 1–10. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Subbotina E, Sierra A, Zhu Z, Gao Z, Koganti SR, Reyes S, Stepniak E, Walsh SA, Acevedo MR, Perez-Terzic CM, et al. 2015. Musclin is an activity-stimulated myokine that enhances physical endurance . Proc Natl Acad Sci 112 : 16042–16047. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Tian Q, Erickson KI, Simonsick EM, Aizenstein HJ, Glynn NW, Boudreau RM, Newman AB, Kritchevsky SB, Yaffe K, Harris TB, et al. 2014. Physical activity predicts microstructural integrity in memory-related networks in very old adults . J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 69 : 1284–1290. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Timmons JA, Knudsen S, Rankinen T, Koch LG, Sarzynski M, Jensen T, Keller P, Scheele C, Vollaard NB, Nielsen S, et al. 2010. Using molecular classification to predict gains in maximal aerobic capacity following endurance exercise training in humans . J Appl Physiol (1985) 108 : 1487–1496. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Toedebusch RG, Ruegsegger GN, Braselton JF, Heese AJ, Hofheins JC, Childs TE, Thyfault JP, Booth FW. 2016. AMPK agonist AICAR delays the initial decline in lifetime-apex VO 2peak , while voluntary wheel running fails to delay its initial decline in female rats . Physiol Genomics 48 : 101–115. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Trejo JL, Carro E, Torres-Aleman I. 2001. Circulating insulin-like growth factor I mediates exercise-induced increases in the number of new neurons in the adult hippocampus . J Neurosci 21 : 1628–1634. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Troiano RP, Berrigan D, Dodd KW, Masse LC, Tilert T, McDowell M. 2008. Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer . Med Sci Sports Exerc 40 : 181–188. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson JG, Valle TT, Hamalainen H, Ilanne-Parikka P, Keinanen-Kiukaanniemi S, Laakso M, Louheranta A, Rastas M, et al. 2001. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance . N Engl J Med 344 : 1343–1350. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Ullum H, Haahr PM, Diamant M, Palmo J, Halkjaer-Kristensen J, Pedersen BK. 1994. Bicycle exercise enhances plasma IL-6 but does not change IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α pre-mRNA in BMNC . J Appl Physiol (1985) 77 : 93–97. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
van Praag H, Kempermann G, Gage FH. 1999. Running increases cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus . Nat Neurosci 2 : 266–270. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Vaughan RA, Gannon NP, Barberena MA, Garcia-Smith R, Bisoffi M, Mermier CM, Conn CA, Trujillo KA. 2014. Characterization of the metabolic effects of irisin on skeletal muscle in vitro . Diabetes Obes Metab 16 : 711–718. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Warburton DE, Nicol CW, Bredin SS. 2006. Health benefits of physical activity: The evidence . CMAJ 174 : 801–809. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Wasserman DH. 2009. Four grams of glucose . Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 296 : E11–E21. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Widenfalk J, Olson L, Thoren P. 1999. Deprived of habitual running, rats downregulate BDNF and TrkB messages in the brain . Neurosci Res 34 : 125–132. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Wong KE, Mikus CR, Slentz DH, Seiler SE, DeBalsi KL, Ilkayeva OR, Crain KI, Kinter MT, Kien CL, Stevens RD, et al. 2015. Muscle-specific overexpression of PGC-1α does not augment metabolic improvements in response to exercise and caloric restriction . Diabetes 64 : 1532–1543. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Wrann CD, White JP, Salogiannnis J, Laznik-Bogoslavski D, Wu J, Ma D, Lin JD, Greenberg ME, Spiegelman BM. 2013. Exercise induces hippocampal BDNF through a PGC-1α/FNDC5 pathway . Cell Metab 18 : 649–659. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Zierath JR, Krook A, Wallberg-Henriksson H. 2000. Insulin action and insulin resistance in human skeletal muscle . Diabetologia 43 : 821–835. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
Zlebnik NE, Anker JJ, Carroll ME. 2012. Exercise to reduce the escalation of cocaine self-administration in adolescent and adult rats . Psychopharmacology 224 : 387–400. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]

200 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise in English

Essay on Benefits of Exercise (200 Words)

Good health need regular exercise. Aside from helping you feel better emotionally, exercise can protect you from heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure; it can also make you look younger, increase and maintain bone density, improve the quality of your life, and keep you from becoming ill. Exercising can also help you feel happy and less stressed by reducing stress.

The most prevalent danger of exercise is muscle and joint damage. This frequently occurs as a result of exerting too hard or for too long. Exercising might potentially cause heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and other symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke might occur. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke may both be avoided by drinking enough of fluids, particularly water, when exercising.

Please enable JavaScript

Ask your doctor what exercises you should do before you begin an exercise routine. Then devise a plan to spend less time watching TV and/or using the computer while increasing your physical activity. Starting simple, such as parking at the farthest corner of your parking lot at work, using the stairs instead of the elevator, walking your dog, or riding a stationary bike, may be recommended by your doctor. You might start to feel better by gradually increasing your everyday workout.

Top 10 Tips for a Fit and Healthy New Year

Discover more from Smart English Notes

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Essay On Yoga

Essay on Yoga

500+ words essay on yoga.

Yoga is an Art and Science of healthy living. It is a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. The holistic approach of Yoga brings harmony to all walks of life. Yoga is also known for disease prevention, promotion of health and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. Through this Essay on Yoga, students will get to know the importance and benefits of performing yoga. By going through this essay , students will get different ideas on how to write an effective Essay on Yoga in English to score full marks in the writing section.

Meaning of Yoga

The word yoga literally means “to yoke” or “union”. More than just a practice of physical exercises, Yoga is the coming together of the individual self or consciousness, with the infinite universal consciousness or spirit. Yoga is a method of inquiry into the nature of the mind, which emphasises practice and direct experience. Yoga is an ancient art based on a harmonising system for development of the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga signifies the ‘integration of personality at the highest level. It includes various practices and techniques mentioned in the yogic literature and is collectively referred to as ‘Yoga’.

Importance of Yoga

Yoga encourages a positive and healthy lifestyle for the physical, mental and emotional health of children. Yoga helps in the development of strength, stamina, endurance and high energy at the physical level. It also empowers oneself with increased concentration, calm, peace and contentment at a mental level leading to inner and outer harmony. With the help of yoga, you can manage daily stress and its consequences.

Yoga brings stability to the body and the wavering mind. It increases the lubrication of joints, ligaments, and tendons of the body. Studies in the field of medicine suggest that Yoga is the only form of physical activity that provides complete conditioning to the body because it massages all the internal organs and glands. It reduces the risk of many diseases. Yoga can create a permanently positive difference in the lifestyle of anybody practising it on a regular basis.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a perfect way to ensure overall health and physical fitness. The physical building blocks of yoga are posture (asana) and breath. Through meditation, and breathing exercises (called pranayama), you can banish all your stress and lead a healthy life. In fact, it is one of the best remedies known to humankind, for curing chronic ailments that are otherwise difficult to be cured by other medications. People suffering from backaches and arthritis are often suggested to do asanas that concentrate on the exercise of the muscles at strategic locations. Pranayamas are the best breathing exercises to increase the capacity of the lungs.

A series of poses held in time with breathing, helps every part of the body. Yoga increases strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. It increases the ability to perform activities, provides more energy and gives a restful sleep. Performing yoga daily helps in building muscular strength. The different asanas make the body more flexible. Moreover, yoga prevents cartilage and joint breakdown, increases blood flow, and lowers blood sugar. The most important benefit of yoga are its application in relieving stress, fatigue, invigoration and vitality. Yoga works as an immunity booster and gives peace of mind.

The amazing thing about Yoga is that its positive effects on the health and mind are visible over time. Another speciality about Yoga is its wide choice of asanas. Depending upon your stamina and overall health, you can choose from mild pranayamas and asanas to high-intensity asanas. It is a medication without the actual use of medicines. Moreover, no visible side effects are associated with the practice of Yoga on a regular basis. All you need to know is the most appropriate asanas according to the ability and structure of your body. Also, you need to learn the right way of performing the asanas because any wrong attempt can cause sprains and injuries.

Yoga practice is safe and can bring many health benefits to practitioners. The beauty of Yoga is that it can be practised by anyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what shape you are in. Yoga increases an individual’s physical coordination and promotes better posture. It helps stimulate the circulatory system, the digestive process as well as the nervous and endocrine systems. Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger, refreshed and energetic.

Yoga is the perfect example of holistic health because of its combination of mind and body. It has become more popular than ever, with celebrities, politicians, business people, and people from every walk of life currently practising. Yoga is a multidisciplinary tool extremely useful to purify the mind and body and gain control over our minds and emotions. It is the most popular means for self-transformation and physical well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essay on Yoga

Why is yoga important.

Regular Yoga practice can help in body relaxation and flexibility. Relieves chronic stress and releases mental distress.

What are the benefits of Yoga?

Yoga makes the body flexible and improves breathing patterns. It can help build muscle strength and regulate blood flow. Practising yoga regularly thus helps keep diseases away and improves immunity

Mention a few easy Yoga poses.

Padmasana (sitting pose), tadasana (mountain pose), and balasana (Child’s pose) are three examples of yoga poses.

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

IMAGES

Write essay on Importance of Exercise
Essay on Importance/Value of Exercise
Benefits of Exercise Essay
😱 Importance of exercise in daily life essay. Importance of Exercise
Write short essay on Importance of Exercise
Benefits of exercise

VIDEO

Benefits of Regular Exercise in your daily life l Qurious Eamret l Health and fitness
Matrix Multiplication, Exercise 1.4, Q# 8 #Matrix_Multiplication
What Happens To Your Body When You Exercise Regularly
Shiksha mein Sadachar Essay in Hindi
Let me know in comments if you want more content on mental health. #shorts #exercise #mentalhealth
3 Worst Mistakes on Result Day 😭 Study Motivation #studymotivation

COMMENTS

Importance of Exercise Essay in English for Students
Answer 1: Exercise helps people lose weight and lower the risk of some diseases. When you exercise daily, you lower the risk of developing some diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more. It also helps to keep your body at a healthy weight.
500+ Words Essay on Importance of Exercise
Importance of Exercise. Regular exercise increases our fitness level and physical stamina. It plays a crucial role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It can help with blood lipid abnormalities, diabetes and obesity. Moreover, it can help to reduce blood pressure. Regular exercise substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary ...
Essay on Benefits of Exercise
500 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise Introduction. Exercise, often regarded as a panacea for numerous health-related issues, has been a subject of extensive research over the years. It is a powerful tool that aids in the enhancement of both physical and mental well-being. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted benefits of exercise ...
Benefits of Exercise Essay
Long Essay on Benefits of Exercise 500 Words in English. Long Essay on Benefits of Exercise is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10. We have always heard the word 'fitness' and 'health'. We use it ourselves when we say such phrases like 'fitness is the key' and 'health is wealth'. The word health means the idea of 'being ...
Essay On The Importance Of Exercise
An essay on the importance of exercise for classes 1, 2, and 3 is a good method to teach children about well-being and a healthy lifestyle. Children curious about health and well-being will enjoy writing this essay as it is a topic that interests them. Essay writing fosters a healthy interest in kids while also assisting them in becoming more accomplished writers.
Benefits of Exercise Essay in English Class 6 7 8 9 10
Benefits of Exercise Essay. Good health is a great blessing. If the health is not good, the life of a person gets affected. Exercise is very important to maintain fitness. Exercise is very helpful in digesting food. Exercise leads to proper development of the body. The body becomes flexible and strong. A person lives happily with good health.
The Comprehensive Benefits of Exercise: A Path to Health ...
In this essay on the benefits of exercise, we will explore the multitude of advantages that regular physical activity can offer. Exercise is not merely a means to improve physical appearance; it is a powerful tool that can enhance overall health and well-being.
Importance Of Exercise Essay
Squats, planks, running, and other exercises can help in the reduction of body weight. In terms of mental health, exercise has been shown to be a mood booster and aid in the treatment of depression and other mental health issues. This also aids in better sleep at night. Excessive calorie consumption can result in heart disease.
Essay on Exercise
Conclusion. Exercise is all-inclusive package that will enable you live almost a stress-free life, full of energy with improved self esteem and sound sleep not forgetting how you will be able to combat some diseases like hypertension and diabetes type II. During exercise, the body releases endorphins that restore peace and felicity.
Importance of Exercise Essay
As the development rate is much faster in the school students our height gets a major boost when we exercise. Our muscles start taking the required toned shape and make us stronger. Exercising also helps us look more attractive and perform all our tasks in a better way. The main benefit is the boost in the immune system.
PDF A Sample Five-Paragraph Essay The Benefits of Regular Exercise
physical exercise could help the person to avoid this behavior. Planned physical exercise, therefore, can eliminate, or at least control, tension.* frustrations" is followed by specific examples. *This closing sentence reinforces both the main paragraph and the essay idea. [3] An improved appearance is the second benefit of regular exercise.*
Essay on Importance of Exercise 500+ Words
Physical Health Benefits. Exercise is a powerhouse for our physical health. It keeps our bodies strong and fit, helping to prevent various health problems. According to experts, regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It also strengthens our bones and muscles, making us more resilient.
Essay on Importance of Exercise: Benefits for Students
Exercise improves the functioning of the circulatory system and prevents cardiac diseases. It strengthens our network and prevents infections. Exercise improves our mental fitness and prevents insomnia and depression. Training is sweet for the guts and also reduces the danger of developing type 2 diabetes and even the threat of certain cancers.
Real-Life Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
Physical activity can help: Reduce feelings of depression and stress, while improving your mood and overall emotional well-being. Increase your energy level. Improve sleep. Empower you to feel more in control. In addition, exercise and physical activity may possibly improve or maintain some aspects of cognitive function, such as your ability to ...
The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle
The benefits of exercise are vast and well-documented. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve physical health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance mental well-being. While barriers to exercise such as lack of time and motivation exist, it is important to recognize that even small amounts of physical activity can have ...
Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
Check out these seven ways that exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you. 1. Exercise controls weight. Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. When you take part in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.
How does exercise help maintain brain health and boost longevity?
For example, "exercise enhances synaptic plasticity and blood flow while reducing inflammation and increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors like BDNF ," Glatt explained. "These ...
Physical Activity Is Good for the Mind and the Body
Increasing physical activity directly contributes to improved mental health and better overall health and well-being. Physical activity has many well-established mental health benefits that include improved brain health and cognitive function, a reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall quality of life.
Health Benefits of Exercise
Overwhelming evidence exists that lifelong exercise is associated with a longer health span, delaying the onset of 40 chronic conditions/diseases. What is beginning to be learned is the molecular mechanisms by which exercise sustains and improves quality of life. The current review begins with two short considerations.
200 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise in English
Aside from helping you feel better emotionally, exercise can protect you from heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure; it can also make you look younger, increase and maintain bone density, improve the quality of your life, and keep you from becoming ill. Exercising can also help you feel happy and less stressed by ...
Essay on Yoga
More than just a practice of physical exercises, Yoga is the coming together of the individual self or consciousness, with the infinite universal consciousness or spirit. Yoga is a method of inquiry into the nature of the mind, which emphasises practice and direct experience. Yoga is an ancient art based on a harmonising system for development ...

Importance of Exercise Essay

Importance of Exercise

Benefits of Exercise

Conclusion of Importance of Exercise Essay

FAQ of Importance of Exercise Essay

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Download the App

Essay on Benefits of Exercise

100 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Physical Health

Mental Health

250 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Physical Health Benefits

Mental Health Benefits

Cognitive Benefits

500 Words Essay on Benefits of Exercise

Social Benefits

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Essay On The Importance Of Exercise – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay For Kids

Key Points To Remember When Writing An Essay On The Importance Of Exercise For Lower Primary Classes

Benefits Of Exercising

What Are The Different Types Of Exercise?

How Much Should You Exercise Every Day?

How To Make A Paper Plate Submarine?

Most Popular

FirstCry Intelli Education is an Early Learning brand, with products and services designed by educators with decades of experience, to equip children with skills that will help them succeed in the world of tomorrow.

The FirstCry Intellikit `Learn With Stories` kits for ages 2-6 brings home classic children`s stories, as well as fun activities, specially created by our Early Learning Educators.

For children 6 years and up, explore a world of STEAM learning, while engaging in project-based play to keep growing minds busy!

Build a love for reading through engaging book sets and get the latest in brain-boosting toys, recommended by the educators at FirstCry Intellitots.

Our Comprehensive 2-year Baby Brain Development Program brings to you doctor-approved toys for your baby`s developing brain.

Our Preschool Chain offers the best in education across India, for children ages 2 and up.

Welcome to the world of Intelli!

Welcome to the world of intelli!

THANK YOU!!!

Benefits of Exercise Essay in English Class 6 7 8 9 10

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Products & Resources

Colleges & Courses

Predictors & E-Books

Predictors & Articles

Top Courses & Careers

Quick Links

Diploma Colleges

Upcoming Events

Other Exams

Top Countries

Student Visas

Engineering Preparation

Medical Preparation

Online Courses

Top Streams

Specializations

Top Providers

Importance Of Exercise Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

100 Words Essay on Importance of Exercise

Reduces Weight

Prevents Illness

Elevates Mood

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

ALLEN Digital Scholarship Admission Test (ADSAT)

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

PW JEE Coaching

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

ALLEN JEE Exam Prep

Download Careers360 App's

We Appeared in

Essay about Exercise – Benefits

Introduction

Works Cited

Goodness of Exercise

Essay on Importance of Exercise 500+ Words

Physical Health Benefits

Mental Health Benefits

Improved Brain Function

Weight Management

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Boosting Energy Levels

Social Connections