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The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Physical and Mental Well-being

Physical activity has been associated with health and longevity since ancient times. The

relationship is in line with the health paradigm, which holds that health is not only the absence of

illness but also a state of mental and physical wellbeing. Yet, despite such evidence, few people

participate in vigorous exercise activities. The central role of regular physical activity in reducing

the risk of mental health conditions and promoting physical functioning suggests that people

should engage in regular physical exercise as a preventive strategy for mental and physical

health.

Adherence to regular physical exercise is effective in promoting mental wellbeing. The

long-term protection that frequent physical activity affords against numerous mental health

complaints is well documented. Exercise has a dose-response relation with a wide range of

psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety (Maugeri et al. 5). Recent meta-

analytic findings suggest that only moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise exceeding 21

minutes leads to changes in self-reported anxiety symptoms among clinical and non-clinical

samples (Herbert et al. 3). The argument is that recurrent physical exercise poses anxiety

tolerance to the brain, resulting in high self-esteem, optimism, and happiness. Thus, people who

continue to exercise can have lower scores in mental conditions than their sedentary

counterparts.
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Regular physical exercise is also linked with optimum physical functioning. Frequent

physical activity has a protective effect that enhances the physical functioning of the human

body. Usually, inactivity is the breeding ground for alteration in body composition, resulting in

an increase in fat and a decline in lean body mass (Herbert et al. 4; Carriedo et al. 1148). Recent

studies have revealed a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease thanks to regular

physical activities, which increases physical fitness (Langhammer et al. 2; Birgitta et al., 2018).

For instance, strength training that incorporates activities (such as weight lifting, pushups, and

resistance band activities) increases physical and musculoskeletal fitness, reducing the risk of

chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. With these benefits, regular physical exercise is

especially recommended to adults to heighten their physical performance and reduce the risk of

falls. In this regard, regular physical exercise can help maintain quality of life, health, and

physical function.

Another psychological benefit of regular physical exercise involves mood elevation.

Typically, changes in muscle tension following an exercise activity may produce desirable

feelings via various mechanisms. Participating in extra leisure activities reduces lethargy and

fatigue while increasing self-esteem scores (Maugeri et al. 3). In the same vein, regular exercise

activities like aerobics induce a feeling of self-satisfaction while reducing distraction from stress-

inducing conditions (Carriedo et al. 1148). Increased self-esteem and satisfaction repress feelings

of hopelessness, self-blame, and perceived lack of self-control. In this view, regular physical

exercise offers a unique stress-reducing effect that promotes positive mental health.

In light of the mounting evidence of the benefits of regular physical activity in reducing

the risk of mental health conditions and promoting physical functioning suggests that people

should engage in regular physical exercise as a preventive strategy for mental and physical
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health. People who engage in physical exercise frequently have increased protection against

mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, with optimum physical functioning

reducing their risk of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
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Works Cited

Carriedo, Alejandro, et al. “Covid-19, Psychological Well-Being and Physical Activity Levels in

Older Adults during the Nationwide Lockdown in Spain.” The American Journal of

Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 28, no. 11, 2020, pp. 1146–1155

Herbert, Cornelia, et al. “Regular Physical Activity, Short-Term Exercise, Mental Health, and

Well-Being among University Students: The Results of an Online and a Laboratory

Study.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 11, 2020, pp. 1–13

Langhammer, Birgitta, et al. “The Importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older

People.” BioMed Research International, vol. 2018, 2018, pp. 1–3

Maugeri, Grazia, et al. “The Impact of Physical Activity on Psychological Health during Covid-

19 Pandemic in Italy.” Heliyon, vol. 6, no. 6, 2020, pp. 1–14