Why Exercise Is So Important
This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
We all know exercise is good for us, but do you know why? Do you make it consistent part of your life? It takes a little discipline, but it is worth it! You’ll thank me when your 80 years old and just as active as you were at 40 :)
As a family nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how regular movement can transform lives. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have and it is a blessing to be able to do it daily.
Let’s break it down why movement matters!!
1. Exercise Boosts Mental Health
Physical activity has been shown to:
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improve sleep quality
Increase focus, energy, and productivity
Release endorphins (your brain’s natural “feel good” chemicals)
Even just 20–30 minutes of walking a day can make a noticeable difference in your mood and mindset. I know it is easier said then done, but if you feel like you are anxious or depressed, please incorporate as much physical activity as you can! It helps a lot!
It Strengthens Your Heart and Lowers Disease Risk
Exercise helps:
Lower blood pressure
Improve cholesterol levels
Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
Increase circulation and oxygen flow
It’s like giving your cardiovascular system a daily tune-up.
Supports Healthy Weight & Metabolism
You don’t need to run marathons to see metabolic benefits. Regular movement improves:
Insulin sensitivity
Fat metabolism
Lean muscle mass
Resting metabolic rate (how many calories your body burns at rest)
Combined with healthy eating, exercise helps your body work more efficiently.
4. Builds Strong Bones & Prevents Injuries
Weight-bearing and resistance exercises (like walking, squats, yoga, or strength training) help:
Increase bone density- especially when you are older
Maintain balance and flexibility
Reduce risk of osteoporosis and falls
Improve posture and joint support
5. It’s One of the Best Anti-Aging Tools We Have
Studies consistently show that people who exercise regularly tend to:
Live longer
Stay more independent in later years
Maintain better cognitive function
Experience fewer chronic illnesses
You’re not just adding years to your life, you’re adding quality to those years.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (like brisk walking, dancing, or biking) and 2 days of strength-building activities (like resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, or light weights).
Please remember that something will ALWAYS be better than nothing when it comes to exercise. Start where you are, and build up slowly. Create small goals that you can stick too… soon you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come.
Getting Started: Tips for Real Life
Take a 10-minute walk after meals
Stretch while watching TV
Try a short YouTube workout at home
Park further away or take the stairs when you can
Invite a friend, coworker, or family member to join you
CONSISTENCY PEOPLE!!!!!! Find something you enjoy, and make it part of your routine.
Also, exercise is not a punishment for what you ate, it’s a celebration of what your body can do. Everyone should be extremely grateful that they have a body that CAN move. Working in healthcare makes that blaringly obvious.
Movement is medicine.
-Nina