Playing sports is easy!

You most certainly know that it is good for our health to play sports and participate in regular physical activity. But do you know the reasons? While we know it is necessary for us, many people do not know the extent of the benefits of sport. On the other hand, you may also be hesitant to embark on a real exercise program. It is true that motivation is not always easy to find, especially when you are not used to moving. For these reasons, we've decided to compile a list of good reasons to exercise regularly.

1 - Physical exercise improves the quality of sleep

You have trouble getting to sleep, wake up frequently, and are prone to trouble sleeping and nighttime activities. It is likely that this lack of quality of sleep affects you: fatigue, stress, irritability… To remedy this, try the sport! According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, physical activity plays an important role in the prevention, but also in the treatment of various sleep disorders.

In a 1985 study by Trinder and a few others, aerobic training was shown to improve the amount of slow deep sleep, in particular, each night. In this logic, the duration and the quality of your sleep will be improved thanks to the practice of a sport. Physical activity makes the body fatigued. Rest then becomes necessary and beneficial. A workout will help you sleep better due to the physical fatigue caused by exertion. Your sleep will therefore be of better quality, day after day.

Practical advice

However, care must be taken not to play sports late at night. Indeed, can have the effect of delaying your sleep! Over the weeks, you will progress and gain confidence. Better, the quality of your sleep will become more durable. The sport will then learn to regulate your activity and metabolize your energy. He will also take advantage of sleep to rest. If you don't exercise at all, start slow and work your way up to speed. This will allow your sleep to become restorative and beneficial.

2 - Physical exercise: a solution against depression

In general, sport is a very beneficial practice for morale. Sports enthusiasts know that after about fifteen minutes, the sport promotes a kind of feeling of euphoria that is light, yet very present. Our thoughts then become creative and very positive. This phenomenon is attributed to hormones called "endorphins". The body releases them when you exert yourself. A well-known study on this subject shows us the effectiveness of sport on morale (curing stress, anxiety and depression without drugs or psychoanalysis, by Servan-Schreiber David, in 2003). But that's not all. Other studies have also shown that exercise helps us fight depression. According to these studies, exercise is as effective (if not more effective) as antidepressants in treating depression.

One of the most effective natural remedies for depression is exercise. It is a valuable asset that can help you fight its symptoms. It is a source of balance for the development of oral health and mental health. Working hard, surpassing yourself, reaching goals ... these are very healthy ways to move forward. If you are losing morale, put on your sneakers and work out!

Sport against stress and anxiety

It should also be noted that sport is a perfect outlet, allowing stress and accumulated tensions to be released. We can all participate in physical activity to combat different sources of stress. Thus, physical exercise will help you relax and stimulate a natural phenomenon commonly known as "the relaxation response".

Symptoms of anxiety (increased heart rate, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, etc.) are attributed to excessive activity on the sympathetic branch of the brain. Exercise stimulates the parasympathetic branch of our nervous system. These two branches are in opposition. So, according to the 2003 study by Servan-Schreiber David (previously cited), when the parasympathetic branch is stimulated and strengthened, it can block manifestations of anxiety.

We also know that a good diet helps to better manage stress. In general, people who play sports pay close attention to their nutrition and choose more nutritious foods, as shown in an American study on the subject (Fit Facts, American Council On Exercise).

3 - Physical exercise helps fight diseases

In general, sport and moderate physical exercise help improve the efficiency of the immune system. In the first place, it has the effect of improving blood circulation and allows substances and cells of the immune system to circulate better in the body. In addition, several studies have shown that exercise stimulates the immune system of people who exercise, such as the study conducted in 2007 by Gleeson M. However, science has also shown that over-practised sport generates the opposite effect! It is, therefore, necessary to make sure to practice a regular physical activity, but not too intense.

In addition, the loss of autonomy that can be seen with age is linked to a sedentary lifestyle, and not to ageing. Thus, physical activity can counter the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, and even increase longevity! This is shown by a study carried out in Japan in 2009. In addition, physical exercise by people as they get older can effectively prevent the decline of the immune system, which usually occurs with age.

You should know that sport is a natural pain reliever. It helps reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. It can limit the risks and pain associated with a large number of diseases as well as back pain!

Exercise for diabetes and cancer

Exercise burns energy. This has the effect of reducing the level of sugar in the blood and therefore, limiting the risk of diabetes. Sport should not be seen as a miracle cure for illness. However, it helps prevent it, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, being overweight or having a family history. Regular activity, therefore, allows you to limit the accumulation of fat around the liver and prevent the various possible disturbances of the metabolism.

And it is the same for cancer! Various studies have already demonstrated the positive influence of sport on cancer prevention. Exercise may even promote healing. On the other hand, the statistics are formal. Regular exercise reduces the risk of cancer (breast, colon, lung and prostate) by almost 25%.

4 - Exercising improves cognitive functions

There is a direct link between physical activity and intellectual performance. Please note, this is not about absolute intelligence or even IQ, but the positive effect of sport on our ability to act, decide and think. Exercise is very beneficial for our cognitive faculties. It promotes the transport of oxygen in the body and thus keeps our brains in perfect health. In addition, some sports will require you to appeal to your sense of logic or management. This is particularly the case with endurance sports, which develop our thinking skills. And for that, there is no need to practice too complex sports: running is ideal. Your progress will promote the development of your neural connections. And as we have seen, it also affects our mood and morale.

5 - Exercising promotes weight loss

Today, everyone knows that sport promotes weight loss. Exercise is recommended in all slimming and fitness programs. It is recommended for all ages and for everyone (except for cases that remain exceptional). Through exercise, we can eliminate the energy accumulated with our meals. We can eat without gaining weight and even lose it. In addition, sport promotes the development of our muscles, making us stronger and resilient. There are sports and activities suitable for all profiles and intended for all ages. Sport is not just painful or stressful sessions: it is also a lot of fun!

Move for better digestion

In addition to promoting the elimination of sugar, fats and toxins, the sport also helps ensure better digestive comfort. Thus, physical activity promotes digestion. It accelerates intestinal transit and allows for more efficient energy absorption. By practising regular physical activity, you improve your transit without even realizing it.

Playing sports is easy!

Contrary to popular belief, getting into sport is not difficult. There is something for all tastes, all ages and all levels. It may be enough to increase your activity a little to feel the full benefits. And a little is already a lot. Indeed, one would tend to imagine that the minimum physical exercise capable of having a curative or preventive effect must be high and yet it is not. The activity just needs to be regular and sufficient.

For example, three ten-minute periods of the sport during the day are as beneficial as an uninterrupted thirty-minute activity, as shown by a study conducted in Quebec (Quantity of physical activity required to obtain health benefits). In addition, ten minutes of sport are enough to begin to feel the benefits of sport. If you want, you can definitely engage in short activities, like climbing the stairs. If you are not very athletic (or athletic), walking is a great activity to choose. Among the simple activities to mention are also outdoor games with children, gardening, cleaning, walking ...

Of course, starting a regular physical activity can be done with the help of professionals like sports coaches or clubs. The important thing is to use sport wisely and to have fun. Work out, relax, and enjoy the benefits of exercise on your body!

What you must remember

It is undeniable today that sport is good for us. Science has long been providing us with proof of this through countless studies on the subject. By knowing all the benefits of sport on your body and your morale, you will have a lot of ease to get started. So, don't hesitate!