In the short and medium term, physical exercises improve mood, self-esteem, stress control, posture and balance, sleep and concentration, weight control, maintaining fitness, and physical appearance, without any side effect in comparison to medication. The lack of physical activity, on the other hand, is the fourth highest risk factor for death in the world, according to WHO. Even more, according to some recent studies, physical exercises reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression, back pains, and even cancer.
Physical exercises can even be prescribed officially by doctors
Some patients are sometimes surprised that they are prescribed physical activity as a treatment. For example, in large respiratory insufficiency, patients with back pain, or cancer patients, prescribing physical exercises is ideal.
Apart from the well-known direct effects of physical exercises, such as weight management and cardiovascular health improvement, physical exercises bring other undeniable health benefits:
- Relieving hostility;
- Strengthening social bonds;
- Improve self-esteem;
- Better stress management;
- Decrease anxiety and depression;
- Improves sleep and quality of life;
All these health benefits of physical exercises lead to a significant reduction of the risks of cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes, back pains, and so on.
Physical exercises should not be confused with sports
Studies have shown very clearly that regular exercise decreases depressive thoughts, anger, mistrust, and stress. A biological action similar to taking antidepressants has even been measured during these studies.
Physical exercises are universal “medicines” that work against obesity and cardiovascular disease, in diabetes and depression, slow down aging and prolongs youth.
Many people, when hearing about physical exercises, are confusing these with sports. Thus, many think that physical exercises are impossible to do for them, for many reasons. In fact, physical exercises may be regular walks in the park, at an accelerated pace, of course, stretching, cycling, hiking with your friends or family during weekends, and so on.
In conclusion, physical activities are the “medication” that every person affords and are side-effects-free and more healthy than any preventive medication. According to experts, physical exercises reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression, back pains, and even cancer.
