Top Benefits of Having an Active Lifestyle

The 21st century has witnessed massive technological advancements. Due to expanded engagement with the latest gadgets, the interaction with high-tech gadgets has elevated, and, as a result, people expend limited energy. This kind of lifestyle, where people indulge in little or negligible physical activities, is called a sedentary lifestyle and is notorious for birthing severe health problems. However, thankfully, gone are the times when people found it cool to label themselves as a 'couch potato' and glorify the term despite the health risks associated. Recent time has witnessed augmented fitness-related awareness amongst people, which has led to a boosted footfall in grandiloquent gyms and the development of mobile fitness applications. This shift in the fitness paradigm has affected people from all walks of life and kindled a fire of fitness motivation that was the need of the hour. From improved mental health, controlled body weight, and strong bones and muscles, an active lifestyle also protects you from deadly diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.  

Importance of having an active lifestyle

Understandably, the nature of office work can demand you to sit for long hours. However, that should not be an excuse to skip physical activities. Thanks to varied options, working out is no longer synonymous with stepping outside, frequenting the gyms, and following a rigorous gym workout plan. Now, whether you are a stay-at-home mom or an occupied stock broker, it is easy to skyrocket your fitness regime at your convenience. The reason behind the promotion and popularity of having an active lifestyle is simple; the health benefits linked to and risks avoided with physical activities.  

Good Cardiovascular Health 

Aerobic exercises are physical activities that maximize the cardiac output of your body. Movements like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, skipping ropes, etc., improve the extraction of oxygen from the blood, thus reducing the stress on the heart to pump more blood to the muscles. In addition, regular physical exercise improves the blood lipid profile, lowers cholesterol levels, and maintains a steady heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, indulging in physical activities routinely promotes good cardiovascular health.  

No Obesity 

More often than not, we often give up on our favorite foods to save ourselves from gaining those extra calories. But indulging in physical activities at regular intervals can save you from the pain of avoiding the delicious drool-inducing food. It is because regular workouts burn excessive calories, reduce fat and keep your body weight in check. Moreover, physical exercise contributes to an improved metabolic rate that accelerates the burning of calories.  

Good Mental and Emotional Health 

Physical exercise elevates the physiological reaction to stress. Physical movements enhance the release of hormones like serotonin and endorphins that improve the overall mood by reducing stress and anxiety. It instills a sense of achievement in people by elevating self-esteem and the ability to cope with stressful situations. Similarly, you can witness impressive changes in your emotional health once you start exercising. 

Strong Bones and Muscles 

As we age, we suffer from the deteriorated functioning of muscles, bones, and joints. While it is against the rules of nature to stop the aging of body organs, we can delay the deterioration of the quality of bones and joints. Routine physical activities ensure that even at the age of 60, you can perform daily tasks effectively despite the reduction in muscle mass and strength.  

Top tips to have a healthy lifestyle 

1. Start slow 

More often than not, we set big goals for ourselves when the massive cloud of motivation overtakes our consciousness. However, it is vital to understand that more than planning a groundbreaking workout, sticking to a consistent routine is supreme. Thus, start slow but be consistent in your efforts.  

2. What you eat, you become! 

Popularized by the hippies in the 1960s, this phrase aims to promote the idea of healthy eating. It is okay to gorge on your favorite carbs sometimes, but those extra calories have to be kept in check. Thus, make a food timetable, craft a workout routine, and stick to them religiously.  

3. Track those steps 

Put your larger muscles to work by taking 7,000 to 10,000 steps every day. Walking is one of the best physical activities as it lowers blood pressure and maintains a healthy heart rate. Also, it aids in the improved delivery of oxygen in the body. Multiple varieties of physical fitness apps offer this feature in addition to effective meal plans, sleep tracker, water intake calculators, and even a dedicated schedule plan for Defence Training.  

4. Say no to smoking and alcohol 

Contrary to popular belief, there is no 'safe level' for consuming alcohol. Alcohol is famous for its high number of empty calories (calories without any nutritional content). These give rise to blood sugar levels, which, in turn, lead to diseases like diabetes and heart attack. Smoking, on the other hand, is a hazard in itself. It causes deadly diseases, such as cancer, stroke, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, low sperm count, atherosclerosis, obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.  

5. Adequate sleep 

Sleeping for an adequate amount of time has unprecedented benefits. It raises your performance and improves memory and retention, learning, and creativity. Moreover, good sleep also triggers weight loss in people. It is also significant to note that the hours of sleep differ from person to person. Some people find 6 hours ample, while some function better on an 8-hour sleep.