Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Exercise

Exercise has a positive effect on the physiological and psychological conditions on all ages, including people with physical or mental disabilities. It is important to incorporate cardiovascular exercises as well as strength exercises for cardiovascular health, strength & mobility.


Psychological benefits include:

• Positive attitude
• Enhances self-confidence
• Helps in eliminating stress
• Increased levels of endorphins
• Better pain management
• Helps in elevating the mood

Physiological benefits include:

• Weight management
• Reduced risk of Type II Diabetes
• Better cholesterol management
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Regulation of blood pressure
• Improved bone density
• Better muscle tone
• Better mobility

Studies have shown the benefits of training the brain with exercise. It was discovered that children who exercised 20 – 30 minutes before starting school, were more attentive and less disruptive. It has been found to be beneficial in treating ADHD too. The root of the benefits lies in the fact that exercising can release serotonin and dopamine, which are the pleasure chemical, into the brain, making a person calmer and happier.

Exercise stimulates the nervous system, the center of which is the brain. 
When the brain and the nervous system is stimulated, it works better and makes you feel better. While exercising, there is increased circulation of blood, which also means there is more blood and oxygen available for the body as well as the brain. 

The extra oxygen and blood supply helps to make the brain more alert and awake during exercise, and keeps you more focused after it.
Regular exercise gets the brain used to the extra blood and oxygen supply and the brain reacts by turning certain genes on or off, thereby changing the cell functions of the brain and protecting it from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Exercise plays a leading role in reducing colon cancer.
Many people are not aware that exercising on a regular basis can play an important role to their gastrointestinal health.
Exercise improves gastrointestinal function enabling your system to run more smoothly and effectively. It helps to increase blood flow, which plays such a vital role in digestion, by introducing more oxygen to your vital organs.
Other chemicals and chemical transmitters that the brain releases during and after exercise include:

• Neurotransmitters
  
• Endorphins
  
• Dopamine
  
• Glutamate
  
• Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
  
• Serotonin.
  

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