International Women’s Day is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It is a day to honor the progress made by women, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. One aspect of women’s lives that is important to their overall health is fitness. Fitness is important for women not only because it helps them maintain a healthy weight, but also because it has a range of physical and mental health benefits.
The physical women fitness benefits of fitness for women are numerous. Regular exercise can help improve heart health, increase bone density and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. It can also help women maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall physical appearance. This can be especially important for women who may feel social pressure to look a certain way, but it’s important to remember that fitness is about feeling good and being healthy, not to conform to a certain standard.
Holistic Benefits of a Well-rounded Fitness Routine:
Exercise and physical activity have long been associated with numerous physical health benefits. Many of us know that women fitness can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Helps reduce Exercise also improves flexibility, balance and coordination, which become important as we age. However, the effect goes far beyond just the physical benefits. Engaging in regular exercise can have a profound and often unexpected impact on our overall well-being, including social, emotional, and cognitive health.
Let’s talk about some of these lesser-known benefits of exercise.
Social Engagement:
Being physically active can be a great way to build social connections and combat feelings of loneliness. When surveyed, older adults often report that they enjoy the social aspect of women fitness classes the most. Participating in group exercises, fitness classes, or sports activities fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Emotional Well-being:
Women physical activity has a profound effect on our mental and emotional well-being. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, natural mood enhancers that promote happiness and reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and increase self-esteem and confidence. It also promotes a sense of accomplishment and empowers individuals to take control of their health.
Academic Function: Several studies have shown that regular women physical activity is associated with various cognitive benefits, including improved memory, better executive function, and a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. One of the simplest mechanisms responsible for this benefit is improved blood flow to the brain, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Physical activity also supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This plasticity is critical to learning and memory processes, contributing to the formation of short-term (working) and long-term memory.
Other Physical Benefits: Regular physical activity can significantly improve sleep quality. Exercise helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, promoting more restful and refreshed sleep. By increasing the time spent in deep sleep, physical activity increases memory consolidation, cognitive function, and overall alertness during the day. Older adults who exercise regularly often report fewer sleep disturbances and higher sleep quality.
What to include in your daily routine: Now that you know the benefits, you may wonder what you should do to reap them. Older adults should aim for a balanced exercise regimen that includes cardiovascular activity, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises. Examples include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi, and resistance training. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise while always listening to one’s body and consulting a health care professional if necessary. 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each week, such as walking. Engage in exercises to strengthen your muscles and bones twice a week. Make it a point to move your body every day, throughout the day.