BENEFITS FOR THE BODY
Healthy from the Start Resources for Shiftworkers
Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health, and it can improve everything from sleep quality and stress levels to cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Aim for a mix of moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercises weekly, along with muscle-strengthening activities for health benefits.
Engaging in regular physical activity is a vital part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing (1). From improving sleep and reducing stress to boosting your overall health, the benefits are extensive (14,15).
Here's a breakdown of how regular exercise can benefit your body:
• Improves muscle and bone health: Regular exercise increases muscle mass, enhances muscle blood flow and endurance, and increases bone density, making bones stronger and less prone to breaks (6,16).
• Improves heart and vascular health: Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, which reduces your risk of heart-related diseases, as well as increasing capillary density, and strengthening your heart muscle. This can improve blood and oxygen flow throughout your body (7,16-18).
• Improves mental health: Regular exercise enhances your mood, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves self-esteem and thinking (16).
• Improves gastrointestinal health: Regular exercise increases muscle mass, which can boost your metabolism and improve how efficiently you burn calories (19).