Regular workouts can improve your health, preventing diseases and complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart problems. According to recent data, however, a majority of Malaysians do not follow a healthy diet or exercise regularly.
Exercise helps boost your energy and improve your strength. It provides nutrition and energy to your tissues, and improves the function of the cardiovascular system.
Everyone should exercise at least three times a week, even if for just 20 minutes. Over time, you will build stamina and be able to increase the duration to 30 minutes or more.
Consult a trainer or look up YouTube videos to decide on exercises that are easy to start with, and will benefit you the most without disrupting your everyday schedule. Certain workout practices can even be carried out before bedtime, which will not only provide you with health benefits but will also help you sleep better.
Here are four more reasons to work out at least thrice a week.
1. Weight control
Exercising can help you gain or reduce weight according to your goals. By burning more calories than you consume, you will be able to drop kilos; while those who are looking to bulk up can use weight training to build muscle mass.
2. Disease prevention
Regular exercise boosts your blood circulation, improves insulin activity, strengthens your muscle and heart, increases blood flow, and helps maintain good health.
Heart disease, which is especially common in middle-aged and older people, can be effectively prevented or controlled with regular exercise.
3. Mental health boost
Exercise releases certain chemicals that relax your body and make you feel less stressed, which leads to improved mental health.
Regular workouts also increase the production and release of endorphin, the hormone that reduces the perception of pain and leaves you with a more positive feeling.
4. Skincare
Who doesn’t want flawless skin? Exercise helps by increasing blood flow, which nourishes the skin cells and keeps you looking well with a healthy glow.
Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.