22 Benefits of Regular Moderate Exercise
I'll bet there's 10 you didn't know about
According to the World Health Organization, too little physical exercise is a leading factor in death across the globe. 25% of the adult population and 80% of the adolescent population do not participate in a sufficient level of physical activity to maintain proper health. Those in this category greatly increase their risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. [1]
Over the last several posts, we have built the case that God has created us to move. Work was established from the beginning of creation — it was not part of the curse. In addition, we saw that since the beginning of time — exercise has been a way of life. It wasn't until the last century or so (primarily with the invention of the automobile) that humans have had to fabricate exercise in a gym.
What is it about exercise that makes it so vital to human existence?
In conjunction with scientific studies, Doctors Micheal Jacobson and Don Colbert have linked the following benefits to regular, moderate exercise [2] [3]:
Appetite control — because exercise can balance blood sugar, it can decrease food cravings and therefore help decrease the appetite.
Improves overall sense of well-being — all the benefits associated with exercise work together to improve the overall sense of well-being.
Stabilizes blood sugar — exercise helps the muscles absorb and use glucose from the blood stream, converting it into energy. This works toward stable blood sugar levels.
Improves heart health — exercise conditions the heart to beat more efficiently, allowing it to rest more, absorb more oxygen, and pump more blood.
Reduces adrenal stress — regular exercise increases the production of neurotransmitters and helps burn off the stress hormones that ravage the body.
Fights infection — muscle contractions are necessary to move lymph throughout the body to fight infection.
Increased metabolism — resistance exercise forces the body to burn more calories, therefore increasing the metabolism.
Increases bodies ability to burn fat — exercise increases the metabolism, which increases its ability to burn fat.
Acts as an antioxidant — one study showed "regular exercise training was about as effective in reducing levels of oxidation as a diet of antioxidants" [4].
Increases bone density —"research shows that exercise works better than calcium in building strong bones" [5].
Prevents constipation — increase in blood flow and oxygen levels in the body during physical exercise aids digestion. In addition, the physical activity helps tone the digestive organs.
Aids sleep — the increase in oxygen, decrease in stress hormones, and the physical working of the body during exercise aids the body in better sleep.
Boosts immune system — the increase in lymphatic activity and the antioxidant effects of exercise work to boost the immune system.
Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression — exercise releases endorphins into the blood stream. These act as natural mood enhancers.
Improves memory — the reduction of cortisol (the stress hormone) may allow for better memory.
Can slow progress of Alzheimer's Disease — neuroscientist Carl Cotman has conducted research "that suggests physical exercise can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease" [6].
May prevent Parkinson's Disease — "testing has also shown that exercise may prevent Parkinson's symptoms" in certain animals [7].
Increases lung capacity — working the lungs through aerobic activity increases their performance and capacity.
Alleviates pain — the endorphins released during exercise have a morphine-like effect on the body, decreasing pain.
Increases energy — exercise releases toxins through the lungs and skin. Toxins are the number one energy grabbers. In addition, exercise increases our oxygen levels through deep breathing. These both lead to increased endurance and energy.
Slows down aging — the antioxidant nature of exercise fights against aging.
Prevents cancer — cancer is closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
Did you already know about all the 22 benefits of exercise?
Connection between Exercise and Blood
In previous studies, we have discussed that the life of the flesh is in the blood. Exercise is closely linked to blood health. We need to get our lymph moving so it can remove toxins and biological threats like viruses, bacteria, and the like from our cells. And we need to get our blood pumping so it can nourish every cell in our body. A sedentary lifestyle does not deliver the nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and water to the cellular level as God has designed. The best solution: Get the body moving on a regular basis. This will spread life to the whole body.
The next post in the Biblical Health Study will focus on some simple exercise techniques that are simple and effective.
Next: 37 Fun Alternatives to Exercising at the Gym
Return to: Biblical Health Study
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[1] World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs385/en/
[2] The Word on Health, Dr. Michael D. Jacobson
[3] Dr. Don Colbert, MD teaches in The Seven Pillars of Health:
[4] Ibid, 123
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid, 125
[7] Ibid