(Student Group: Maria Tompoulidi -  Xenia Tsaousi – Maria Patroni – Vasso Matsouri – Georgia Simeonidi)

Everyone heard about the statement, that is «USE IT OR LOST IT»? It’s true. If you don’t use your body, you will surely lose it. Your muscles will become flabby and weak. Your heart and lungs won’t function efficiently. And your joints will be stiff and easily injured. So, one must do exercise regularly, some people give breaks. This doesn’t show the result on body. Being consistent with exercise, therefore, is probably the most important factor in achieving desired results. It helps us in so many ways.

What is needed to begin an exercise programme?

Two things not needed to obtain the benefits of exercise are investing in a health club membership, or purchasing extravagant exercise equipment. Likewise, while vigorous and sweat inducing activity is good, psychological well-being does not depend on the intensity or duration of a workout. More important is the ability to maintain an exercise routine. If one can keep up their programme for a minimum of two months, they’re on their way to reaping the benefits. Not only will it get easier, but they will probably end up enjoying it and will want to continue.

Benefits of Regular Exercise

• Improves physical health and quality of life - Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of premature death from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and colon and breast cancers. It increases high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) while decreasing triglycerides. This keeps our blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Overall it increases resistance to various diseases by bolstering the immune system.
• Improves psychological well-being - Regular exercise improves our mood and reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals (endorphins) that usually leave us feeling happier and more relaxed. We will not only feel better, but look better when we exercise regularly which, in turn, boosts confidence and self-esteem. We derive self-confidence both from looking great by being toned and fit, and from knowing that you put in the work and effort to get there.
• Increases your energy levels - Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. It helps the cardiovascular system work more efficiently by circulating blood through your heart and blood vessels. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
• Helps you manage your weight - Needless to say, when you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. When you burn more calories than you take in, you lose weight. Even taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of using a car, or just moving around more can help add to your exercise output. Promotes better sleep - Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and into a more deep sleep. Sleep is brought on by chemicals released in your body which are a by-product of your body burning sugar for fuel during the day. The more sugar you burn through exercise and physical activity, the more of these chemicals are released, thus helping you sleep better and deeper. Your transition between the cycles and phases of sleep is also improved by exercise and they become smoother and more regular. When you are well-rested, your concentration, productivity and mood are greatly enhanced.
• Improves stamina: When you exercise, your body uses energy to keep going. Aerobic exercise involves continuous and rhythmic physical motion, such as walking and bicycling. It improves your stamina by training your body to become more efficient and use less energy for the same amount of work. As your conditioning level improves, your heart rate and breathing rate return to resting levels/normal much sooner from strenuous activity.
• Enhances flexibility: Stretching exercises are also important for good posture. They keep your body limber, so that you can bend, reach and twist. Improving your flexibility through exercise reduces the chance of injury and improves balance and co-ordination. If you have stiff, tense areas, such as the upper back or neck, performing specific stretches can help «loosen» those muscles, helping you feel more relaxed.

So, it is very important to exercise as much as we can. There are so many benefits in exercising and by doing so, we do ourselves good…

Bibliography

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/staying-active-full-story/

http://www.nutristrategy.com/health.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html#ControlWeight