Why should you exercise?

During this class you will learn about the components of fitness, the exercise principles and more, which will help you understand and achieve the benefits of regular exercise. These benefits include the health benefits, social benefits, opportunities to challenge yourself, enjoyment and opportunities for self-expression. Below is a summary of this information.

Health Benefits

1. Improved cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility

2. Lowered cholesterol level and blood pressure

3. Lowered risk of sicknesses such as diabetes and heart disease

4. Helps prevent bone loss

5. Helps with weight loss or to stop weight gain

6. Reduces stress

7. Helps fight anxiety and depression

Social Benefits

1. Improved self-image and confidence

2. Provides chances to meet new people and make friends

3. Provides chances to hang out with current friends or family members

4. Provides chances to work with others to reach common goals

5. Provides chances to practice good sportsmanship and sports etiquette

6. Provides chances to practice good behavior in winning and losing situations

7. Provides chances to encourage others and practice leadership skills

Providing Challenge

1. Provides chances to set goals and then work to reach them

2. Provides chances to improve your physical fitness

3. Provides chances to challenge yourself mentally to reach goals

4. Provides competition

5. Provides chances for individual and team goals

6. There is always room for improvement - unlimited chances to set new goals

Opportunities for Self-Expression

1. Provides chances to show others movement patterns that are pleasing to watch

2. Provides chances to make your own artistic or expressive routine

3. Can be combined with music, costumes, backgrounds, and props

4. Provides chances to show others your athletic skill level, physical abilities, decision making skills, and confidence

Opportunities for Enjoyment

1. Prevents boredom – there are many different activities to choose from

2. Can help you feel less stressed out

3. Can cause your body to make chemicals that improve your mood and make you feel

good

4. Can become a hobby or activity that you do for fun

5. Allows you to get away from your home or job, maybe even to get outdoors

6. Can lead to better sleep and more energy

Conclusion

No one single physical activity will offer all the benefits described above. That's why it is important to be in many different activities to increase the benefits of your fitness program. You also need to think about which benefits of exercise are the most important to you. Are you in need of activities to socialize with others such as team sports or workout groups? Are you looking for activities that allow you to express your creativity such as dance, gymnastics, or skateboarding? Maybe you enjoy having some time to yourself with individual activities such as running or swimming. Think about the goals you wish to achieve when choosing what physical activities you are going to participate in (social benefits, self-expression, enjoyment, fitness benefits).