Exercise is one of the best activities you can engage in for long-term health. It is a powerful and natural tool that enhances vitality and well-being throughout life. It builds strong foundations in childhood, supports stress management and physical health in adulthood, and impacts independence and quality of life as we get older.
The foundation for a healthy life begins in childhood. During these early years, physical activity helps develop strong bones, muscles and joints. It also helps prevent childhood obesity, an issue that continues to increase worldwide. Encouraging your child to engage in regular movement and physical activity early on helps develop strong motor skills and positively impacts childhood mental health, improving self-esteem and cognitive function.
As children transition into early adulthood, exercise remains just as important. It contributes significantly to building and maintaining muscle mass and bone density and helps prevent the onset of diabetes, an prevalent issue in South County. Early adulthood is an ideal time to establish a regular exercise routine. During these formative and challenging years, it can be a great tool for stress relief and an excellent way for young people to build confidence and social skills.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine as we move into midlife can significantly help mitigate the physical issues that develop as we age. Walking, running and swimming are ideal exercises for maintaining cardiovascular health. Strength training, in particular, is an excellent activity to build physical stamina and muscle mass, maintain a healthy weight and support bone density — reducing the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in women.
The risk of depression and anxiety can increase as we get older — sometimes due to life changes such as career transitions, children leaving home and caring for aging relatives. Exercise is a free, natural and powerful means to help manage the stress of daily life. It improves mood, builds resilience, increases energy, boosts happiness and enhances our overall outlook.
During our senior years, the benefits of an exercise routine become even more apparent. Movement is critical as we age, helping to maintain heart health, physical strength, quality of life and independence. Prioritizing daily physical activity helps with mobility, balance and flexibility of movement. The social aspect of exercise is also impactful for older adults. Group activities such as walking clubs, fitness classes or dance lessons provide health benefits and opportunities for social interaction, helping to counter feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Committing to an exercise routine is not just a short-term intervention but a lifelong commitment, with benefits that increase over time. The earlier you start, the better, but it’s never too late to begin. Everyone has to start somewhere, and those who begin exercising later in life will experience many positive improvements in their health and well-being.
Maintaining a sustainable and fun exercise routine is the key to it becoming a lifelong habit. Choose activities you enjoy. Walking, swimming, attending a gym, yoga, dancing and strength training are all great choices — as are sports activities, climbing, kayaking, rowing, hiking and bike riding. As life stages change, so too can the types and intensities of exercise.
If you are ready to take control of your health and well-being, make exercise a priority and a lifelong habit. It’s a habit you won’t regret.
