Most people understand that staying fit and healthy can benefit everything from their heart to their waistline. But, fitness actually goes so much further than that.
There are plenty of under-discussed reasons to regularly exercise and stay fit, but they’re just as beneficial as maintaining muscle or watching your weight.
Whether you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle or reach specific fitness goals, understanding how a fitness regimen can keep you safe might offer a big motivational boost to keep you active. With that in mind, let’s cover a few of the ways fitness and safety go hand-in-hand.
You’ll Fight Off Illnesses While Doing Your Part
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no question we’re experiencing a physician shortage in hospitals across the country. That’s causing some people with chronic conditions to wait longer to receive care, and for those with serious illnesses like COVID-19 to perhaps not get the time and attention they need.
Staying fit can help you by boosting your immune system and strengthening your body. Studies have shown that COVID symptoms mostly affect older individuals or those with compromised immune systems.
By keeping yourself healthy, you’re less likely to experience severe symptoms, even if you catch the virus. Regular exercise can improve lung capacity and heart health in addition to an improved immune system.
Because of that, you likely won’t have to take up a hospital bed or see a physician that could be helping someone else in a more serious situation.
If you do develop any kind of illness, you can utilize telehealth to connect with a doctor from the comfort of your home. It’s a safe and effective way to discuss minor injuries and illnesses without “clogging” up the healthcare system more than it already is.
You Can Reduce Your Risk of Getting Injured
When you exercise properly, you can reduce your risk of getting injured through everyday activities. Granted, it’s important to have safety measures in place when you’re working out. Stretching before and after you exercise, staying hydrated, and wearing the right gear are all important.
But, if you know what you’re doing, staying fit can help with:
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Strengthening bones
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Strengthening muscles
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Improving coordination
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Bettering your balance
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Quickening your reflexes
All of those benefits can make it easier to avoid slips and falls, tripping, and other accidents throughout your day. If you do fall or something hits you, you’re less likely to break a bone or experience extreme injury when you’ve worked on strengthening your body from the inside out. That’s important for everyone, of course. But it’s an even bigger benefit for older individuals who might be more prone to falling and breaking something.
As a bonus, your body will heal itself faster when you have a strong immune system, so you won’t have to worry about that bruised tailbone for too long!
Keep in mind that you can do too much of a good thing. If you’re new to regular exercise or you’re starting to see the benefits and want to push yourself further, be careful.
As beneficial as working out can be to strengthen your body, going too far can actually increase your risk of injury. You don’t want to pull a muscle or strain something because you weren’t playing it safe. Take precautions and be smart about your routine.
You’ll Improve Your Mental Health
You might not immediately consider mental wellness as a “safety” issue, but it certainly can be. People with severe depression and anxiety can often experience thoughts and behaviors that could put themselves or others in harmful situations. Being able to monitor and manage your mental health is extremely important.
Staying active helps with that.
You’ve undoubtedly heard of a “runner’s high” before, but it’s not just running that boosts your endorphins – it’s any type of physical activity. Exercise has been proven to boost your mood and your energy levels, making you feel happier, even for a period of time after you’re done.
Staying fit also helps to reduce stress and can make you feel calmer. If you do have a mental health condition, regular exercise is a great way to manage your symptoms and feel more in control over your thoughts.
You don’t have to be a fitness buff or go to the gym every day to stay strong and healthy. More people are actually working out from home in light of the pandemic, and there are plenty of benefits to that. Thanks to technology, it’s easy to get in a good home workout every day. Take advantage of things like:
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Smartwatches
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Fitness apps
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Online fitness communities
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Free workout videos
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Customized fitness plans
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Virtual trainers
Whether you choose to work out at home, in the gym, or outside, getting in shape will do more for you than boost your physical appearance. It will make you stronger, healthier, and safer as you go through life. If you’re looking for some inspiration to get started with a fitness routine, let these benefits be your motivation!
