The ancient Roman poet Virgil once said, “The greatest wealth is health.” 
The human body is an incredible machine that requires regular maintenance. A good way of staying healthy is aerobic exercise.
First, let’s define aerobic exercise. According to Mayo Clinic,
During aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. You’ll notice your body’s responses quickly.
You’ll breathe faster and more deeply. This maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 1: Weight Loss
During aerobic exercise, the body burns away fat. Dr. David Katz (director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center) said in an article on WebMD that, ‘‘Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk for the development of a multitude of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.”
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 2: Improves Mental Health
Exercising on a regular basis releases endorphins. These neurotransmitters act as natural painkillers that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This helps you feel refreshed and relaxed!
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 3: Anti-Fatigue, Energy
A renewed sense of energy and well-being follows aerobic exercise, keeping fatigue at bay. Instead of drinking coffee or a sugar-infested energy drink, consider going on a walk during your lunch break. It will kill that 2:30 feeling just fine.
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 4: Live Longer (Longevity)
In 1986, a Harvard University study confirmed the link between exercise and longevity. This fact has been confirmed by countless studies and tests.
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 5: Boosts Immune System
Study upon study has confirmed that exercise strengthens your immune system, which aids your body in fighting off viral infections such as the flu.
Aerobic Exercise Benefit 6: Improves Health Heart
An increased heartbeat, present during aerobic exercise, gets more blood pumping through your body per beat. Over time this strengthens your heart’s health. Improved heart function increases blood flow while expending less energy, which can be devoted to other areas of your body.
Aerobic Exercise Tips
Considering these benefits, what are some good ways of squeezing in aerobic exercise into your already busy schedule? Starting off, consider starting off exercising 30 minutes a day. Eventually, a well-rounded exercise routine includes a 45-60 minute session at least 4 times a week. Here are a few quick, easy tips.
1. As we already mentioned, consider going on a walk over your lunch break. It will give you the much needed boost of energy to finish your day strong.
2. Jumping jacks. They are simple and effective. When taking a break, walk around to keep your heart rate up.
3. If it is close enough, commute to work via bike or public transportation. This will also you save you money.
4. Ease into it. An overload will require increased recovery time, meaning a lower overall calorie burn over the days you are too sore to work out.
For more assistance with living healthy, please give us a call. DeFalco Chiropractic offers Wellness Services, including Spinal Stabilization Exercises, Nutritional Counseling, and Fitness Programs. We look forward to hearing from you!
How do you plan on getting your heart pumping?
