Incorporating Moderate Intensity Exercise into Your Fitness Routine: Why You Should Do It
Have you ever found yourself panting after a short walk or feeling winded while climbing a few flights of stairs? If yes, then it’s time to incorporate moderate intensity exercise into your fitness routine. Moderate intensity exercise is any physical activity that makes you breathe harder, elevates your heart rate, and makes you feel warmer than usual. Here are some reasons why you should add moderate intensity exercise to your daily grind:
Enhances Your Physical Fitness
Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Incorporating moderate intensity exercise into your fitness routine can ultimately improve your physical fitness. When you follow a regular exercise plan, your body gets used to certain movements and energy output, leading to an increase in endurance, strength, and flexibility. As a result, you can perform your daily activities with ease, such as walking long distances, carrying groceries, or doing yard work without exhausting yourself.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Regular moderate intensity exercise can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. These diseases are prevalent in today’s society and often result from poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity. Exercise can help to reduce your blood sugar levels, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your cholesterol, making you less susceptible to these conditions.
Improves Your Mental Health
Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also your mental health. Moderate intensity exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can lower your stress level, improve your mood, and help fight depression. By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, you can experience an improvement in your overall mental wellbeing, leading to a more satisfied and productive life.
Helps You Sleep Better
If you struggle with poor sleep, moderate intensity exercise can help you get a good night’s rest. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep patterns. Exercise can also lower your cortisol levels, which is the hormone that regulates your stress response. When cortisol levels are high, it can interfere with the quality of your sleep, leading to feelings of fatigue the next day.
Conclusion
Incorporating moderate intensity exercise into your fitness routine can benefit you in numerous ways, ranging from improved physical fitness to better mental health. Consider finding a physical activity that you genuinely enjoy, like jogging, cycling, or swimming, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. With consistency and determination, you will reap the rewards of a healthy and active lifestyle.
