Why do we need exercise and sport?

Exercise and sport contribute to our well-being on several levels. It strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation and oxygen supply. It also provides benefits for the soul. For many office workers, a sporty workout after a long day at the office represents the best way to relax and to clear the mind. However, you do not have to aim for a membership in the gym or complete a marathon to get these results. Regular walks are also very beneficial to health.

If we make ourselves aware that at least 10,000 steps are necessary to keep us healthy, and that 20,000 steps are required for improving physical fitness, we should already be motivated to finally start doing something for our health. Of course, this question also arises: is exercise really so important when we get the impression that a relaxing evening in front of the television could also contribute to our well-being?

The answer we can find not only in the nature of our body, but also in the facts. With exercise and sport, we stimulate the blood circulation and thus the cell metabolism. We breathe differently than while the body is at rest, thus we supply our body with more oxygen. The use of the muscles is of particular importance, and muscles only remain strong if you exercise them regularly. In our body, a variety of muscles work together with the skeletal system to enable us to keep our upright posture, walk, bend, squat and stretch. We have to strengthen all of these muscles regularly. Exercise also helps to prevent diabetes type 2 or to relieve the symptoms of already existing diabetes.

Humans have been enthusiastic about sport from the beginning. However, many people see themselves in the role of the audience rather than in the role of the active athlete. You do not need to develop yourself into a high-performance athlete to get the benefits of exercise. Even the first steps towards a sporty lifestyle can be fun and even addicting. If you find the greatest difficulty in the initial motivation, you should not set difficult athletic goals immediately, but rather work on increasing your daily movements. If you have exposed your body to a lack of exercise for a long time, or if you suffer from obesity, cardiovascular problems, or even heart problems, you should consult your doctor before developing a fitness plan.

What are the significant benefits of sport? Is it not enough to simply integrate more exercise into everyday life? There are sports such as jogging, swimming, Nordic walking, cycling and aerobics that promote endurance and help you to build up a very good fitness gradually. Practising aerobic on a regular basis, not only helps the cardiovascular system, but also helps the immune system. Other types of sports consist of building up strength and muscles. This is not only helpful and practical for everyday life, but also for protecting and relieving the joints by a good musculature. Bone density will also increase.

We have not yet mentioned the hormonal changes during sports. A sport activity promotes the release of endorphins, the hormones of happiness. This explains why you might be surprised with sudden feelings of joy while jogging, swimming or riding on a cycling tour. Sport is good to counteract depression. Last but not least, sports and exercise also bring people together - You do not need to stand out as a single athlete. Getting a group together for jogging or walking brings a lot of joy. This also helps you not to listen to the little voice inside of you that may stop you at the last moment and cause you to turn on the TV. Moreover, the social aspect of sport is important to prevent isolation and feelings of loneliness that can lead to inner withdrawal and depression.

You feel the desire to already start moving? You can get up and start with stretching exercises, a little walk or climb up and down the nearest stairs. Your body will thank you for each of these steps.