The Importance of Exercise

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Zorriana Smith UNV 104 September 29, 2013 Nikki Squire The Importance of Exercise Exercise can play an important role in one’s overall health and well-being. Choosing to incorporate physical activity into one’s daily life may prove to be quite challenging, especially if the individual is obese. “It is estimated that in the US 1.2 billion people are overweight, with almost 300 million being obese” (Philippou, Andreou, Menelaou, Hajigeorgiou & Papandreou, 2012, p.1). Exercising regularly may help many avoid obesity because it can aid in weight-loss, increase energy and possibly improve one’s sex life. Weight loss may be achieved by many means with the healthiest way being good old fashioned exercise. “For general good health, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults get a minimum of 2-2 ½ hours per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. For middle aged women, this amount increases significantly” (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2008, p.2). The question has been asked, “When one wants to lose weight, which is better, cutting calories or exercising more?” (Hensrud, 2011, p.1). Studies suggest that cutting calories will promote more weight-loss than exercising however, “the key is to burn more calories than you consume” (Hensrud, 2011, p.1). In a nutshell, healthy weight-loss will not be achieved without exercise along with healthy eating habits. A lack of energy may be why some choose not to exercise however, studies show that with increased physical activity comes increased energy. “There are nutrients and oxygen, which are delivered to tissues in the body that help the cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. If the heart and lungs are working efficiently, then one has more energy. Improved muscle strength and increased endurance can be expected with increased physical activity” (Center for

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