Aerobic exercise is beneficial for the body and brain
Improves cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercise is recommended by the American Heart Association and also by many physicians. People who are at risk for heart disease benefit from any exercise that will strengthen the heart. When you participate in aerobic physical activity, you are helping to strengthen your heart and help it pump blood more efficiently throughout the body.
Lowers blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are significantly reduced with aerobic exercise because it lowers your blood pressure. When you exercise and increase your heart and breathing rate, over time your heart will get stronger and it will take less effort to pump blood. When this happens, it puts less pressure on the arteries and, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Improves blood sugar. This is because when you exercise your muscles you consume more glucose, the sugar in your blood. If done regularly, it will lower your blood sugar levels. Exercise will allow insulin to work better. Insulin is what picks up all the sugar in your blood and sends it to your body's cells to use for energy.
Reduces chronic pain. Regular aerobic exercise can help you regain muscle function and endurance, which in turn can reduce chronic back pain. When you exercise, you can lose weight which also reduces back pain even more.
It improves the immune system. Exercising regularly has been shown in studies to increase certain antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are called immunoglobulins and are known to enhance your immune system.
Improves brain power. After age 30 you start to lose tissue in your brain. Aerobic exercise can slow down this loss and, in turn, increase and improve cognitive performance.
More information:
Department of Senior Services, Disability & Veterans Affairs
930 Riverview Drive, Suite 200 Totowa, NJ 07512
Phone: 973-569-4060 Fax: 973-256-5190/5091 ADRC 1-877-222-3737