Another blog post from Ann Arbor Chiropractor, Mike Tannenbaum, D.C.: Benefits of a Physically Active Life Style

A physically active life style. That's what we all should be striving for. The health benefits of being physically active are numerous. Being physically active isn't all about losing weight. Although, losing weight can be a benefit it doesn't have to be the primary reason for being physically active. There are so many other reasons to be physically active. Here are a few major reasons to have a physically active life style that we talk about at our chiropractic office in Ann Arbor.

Maintaining a Healthy Heart

Raising the heart rate through aerobic exercise is one good way to keep the heart healthy. Studies have clearly demonstrated this. Aerobic exercise 30 minuets a day 5 days a week should go a long way to keeping your heart (and whole cardiovascular system) healthy.

Reduces Stress

It has been shown that regular exercise reduces stress (and most of us know that stress can cause ill health). This is in part because endorphins in the brain are released during exercise and these endorphins have a calming affect on the brain ultimately reducing stress.

Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Physical activity has been shown to reduce the chance of getting type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which you have some combination of too much fat around the waist, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood sugar or high blood pressure. Studies have shown that with 2 hours to 2.5 hours a week of at least moderate activity one can reduce chance of getting metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, studies shown that the more physical activity one gets the lower the risk for these conditions.

Make Daily Activities Easier and Prevent Falls

A sedentary life style will often cause a reduction in the ability to do basic activities of daily living such as shopping, climbing stairs and standing on your feet to cook a meal.

This can be an especially big issue as you age. Studies demonstrate that if you are physically active in middle age and older you are more likely to be able to complete these activities of daily living, translating to a better quality of life. Also, especially important for older adults, regular physical activity translates to a lower risk of falls.

If you would like to follow up with me on this blog post or have questions about chiropractic, back pain, neck pain or headaches, I can be reached at my Ann Arbor office at [email protected].