Staying active as an adult

The Importance of Being Active

When we conceptualize the benefits of being active, we think primarily about the physical energy they require and how that expenditure can help maintain physical health. We also think about how physical activity can reduce pain, increase endorphins and offer tremendous mental benefits. Recent research suggests that the benefits of playing being active doesn’t stop there.

A 2019 study of Swedish athletes found that being active can actually offer secondary positive consequences, such as greater personal development and better lifestyle choices. People who are active regularly are less likely to excessively consume alcohol and may even be at less risk for developing serious mental illness.

Manage Stress

Exercise and stress interact in complex ways. On one hand, being active can alleviate many conditions that cause stress; on the other hand, competitive events can produce higher stress levels in athletes.

Research suggests that when a player is mismatched in an event (game, workout, race, etc.) that requires skill above their ability level, they become stressed. However, stress is not always bad for you and participating in active events can provide the following stress-relieving benefits:

• Higher self-esteem

• Strong social connections

• Improved cognitive functioning (in learning, memory and creative thinking)

• Mental and emotional resilience 

• Reduction in musculoskeletal disorders associated with stress

• Reduction in chronic disease associated with stress

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Anyone who’s dealt with chronic stress and anxiety knows how exhausting it can be. Persistent worry slowly degrades overall health and leads to serious mental and physical issues. Luckily, adults interested in reducing stress and anxiety may be able to do so by adopting regular training or a physical fitness routine. Research suggests that being active reduces anxiety by providing the following benefits:

• Stronger coping mechanisms

• Elevated mood (compared to sedentary people)

• Improved sleep

• Decreased tension

• Increased endorphin levels

• Improved concentration

At the end of the day, physical health plays a huge role in mental health. A body that is physically active and well-rested is less likely to develop diseases and conditions that increase stress and anxiety levels.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and a lack of physical activity is a primary — and preventable — risk factor. Even if a sedentary person is otherwise healthy and has no other risk factors, their lack of physical activity can lead to heart disease.

Being active can have a huge impact on cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity reduces a person’s risk of developing heart disease in many ways, including the following:

• Lowers blood pressure

• Decreases bad cholesterol

• Improves blood sugar

• Decreases stress levels

• Controls body weight

• Improves sleep

Physical Strength

Physical strength isn’t just about being strong — it’s about maintaining healthy bones, joints and muscles to prevent disease. Experts say that aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities at moderate intensity levels can actually slow the loss of bone density meaning people who are regularly active are at a lower risk of developing osteoporosis, a common bone disease among older people.

Adults who participate in regular physical fitness routines are less likely than their sedentary peers to fall, break bones, develop arthritis and experience nerve pain.

The Benefits of Being Active in Communities

The importance of being active as an adult can’t be overstated — it provides innumerable mental and physical health benefits — yet being active in a community is even better!

‍Time Outdoors

Many communities are active outside. Spending time in nature can provide a healing reprieve from the stressors of urban life, especially for city-dwellers. Research suggests that breathing fresh air can help clear your lungs and energize you, as well as improve mental clarity. Additionally, spending time outside can lower cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) and boost vitamin D levels.

Meet New People

The pressures of adult life can leave some people with little time to meet new people and socialize. Without regular exercise, social skills can deteriorate like any other muscle. Luckily, outdoor community events provide the perfect icebreaker for starting a conversation and beginning a friendship. ‍

Support Your Community

When you are active with others, you’re not just doing it for yourself — you’re doing it for, and with, your community. Physical activity connects people who wouldn’t otherwise interact, drawing athletes and fans to events in their community. You can support your community by attending events or organizing races in your neighborhood. Community events strengthen social ties, promote respectful exchanges and foster compassion for the community you call home.

Final Words

The importance of being active as an adult can’t be overstated. To summarize it’s power, here is a quote from longevity expert, Dr. Peter Attia:

“Exercise is by far the most potent longevity ‘drug.’ The data are unambiguous: Exercise not only delays actual death but also prevents both cognitive and physical decline better than any other intervention. It is the single most potent tool we have in the health-span-enhancing toolkit—and that includes nutrition, sleep, and meds.”

Your Daily Dose Of Usain⚡️

Words To Run By 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

Get Ready for March Madness

Oh and don’t forget to share it.

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving Downloadable Pace Chart.

See all the rewards that you can earn by referring your friends.