In my blogs, I talk a lot about the long-term health benefits to a fit lifestyle. I emphasize how fitness is about more than just losing weight; it is about preventing serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Well last week I read an article about immediate health benefits you can reap as a result of exercising. It was found that it could reduce the number of days you miss work because of respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold.
Are you one of those people that always seem to catch a cold? Do you find that you have to drag yourself into work or miss days of work too frequently?
It could be that you aren’t physically active enough. By taking measures beyond washing your hands and avoiding contact with others who are sick, you could end up missing less work and feel better in a number of ways.
Exercise can reduce stress, common ailments like backaches and even depression. Becoming more active could boost your immune system, allowing it to fight off colds or at least diminish the severity of them.
I actually hadn’t thought much about the connection between exercise and respiratory illnesses until I read the article. I realized it has been a long time since I have been sick.
It used to be that I would always get sick, but I also wasn’t exercising. And if any of my children had something, I would almost certainly catch it.
Maybe there really is something to this. Even if it’s just coincidence for me, I can still know that only good can come of my decision to strive for a fitter lifestyle.
Sometimes it is less about the outcome and more about the motivation. Do you want to be a healthier, happier you? Here’s a new motto: Exercise each day keeps illness away.
Related Articles:
Relieving Back Pain with Exercise
http://fitness.families.com/blog/relieving-back-pain-with-exercise
Walking Can Reduce Chance of Having a Stroke
http://fitness.families.com/blog/walking-can-reduce-chance-of-having-a-stroke
Exercise is the Best Medicine
http://fitness.families.com/blog/exercise-is-the-best-medicine
Photo by Perfecto Insecto in Flickr