- Exercise should be something you enjoy doing to reap the full benefits of it
- Weightlifting can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases while improving mood, decreasing depression and anxiety, and increasing self-esteem.
- Yoga can decrease stress levels, increase flexibility, focus, and concentration, improve posture and balance, as well as reduce inflammation.
- Pilates can improve flexibility in the spine, hips, shoulders, neck, and legs; strengthen abdominal muscles; cultivate greater awareness of breath.
There is no denying that obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continue to affect a large portion of the American population. Reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted an alarming uptick in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease diagnoses among adults across the United States.
Eating healthy foods and engaging in regular exercise are two steps we can take toward improving our overall health. Making small attempts at working towards healthier lifestyles can go a long way in reducing rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease within our communities.
Here are some different types of exercise and the unique benefits they offer.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is an excellent form of resistance training that can help improve your strength and build muscle mass. Research shows that weightlifting can have positive effects on your physical health, such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it can also help with mental health by improving mood, decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increasing self-esteem.
To get the most out of your weightlifting routine, be sure to warm up before exercising and use proper form while lifting. Additionally, make sure you’re drinking enough water and getting adequate nutrition so that your body can recover from the workout and build muscle.
Types of Weightlifting
- Barbell Squats
- Dumbbell Shoulder Presses
- Overhead Press
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your body while also calming your mind and spirit. It can help reduce stress levels and increase flexibility, focus, and concentration. Additionally, research has shown that yoga improves posture and balance in individuals. It is also known to reduce inflammation in the body by releasing endorphins that act as natural painkillers.
While yoga can be extremely beneficial for our physical and mental health, it is important to remember that to reap the full benefits of this form of exercise, it is essential to learn and understand proper techniques.
How to Practice Yoga
When practicing yoga, individuals should focus on their breathing and maintain proper posture to maximize the effects of stretching, mental practice, and the different poses. Signing up for yoga classes is a good way to learn the basics and get familiar with the poses and the different yoga terms, but if you’ve been practicing yoga for a while now and want to take your yoga journey to the next level, enrolling in a 200-hour yoga teacher workshop may be an option for you.
Common Examples of Yoga Practices
- Mountain Pose
- Extended Side Angle
- Standing Forward Bend
- Half Forward Bend
Pilates
Pilates is another type of exercise that focuses on core strength and stability through controlled movements. This exercise can increase flexibility in the spine, hips, shoulders, neck, legs, and arms; improve posture; strengthen abdominal muscles; cultivate greater awareness of breath; improve coordination and builds strength.
Engaging in Pilates exercise also promotes better sleep; reduces stress levels; decreases lower back pain; enhances body alignment; increases energy levels; stimulates circulation in the organs & glands throughout the body; allows for a greater range of motion in joints & muscles; provide relief from joint stiffness & arthritis pains.
It also strengthens the body’s core muscles, improving balance, coordination, and posture. Pilates is a great way to stay fit and healthy as it can be adapted to meet the needs of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Additionally, it helps create an awareness of how the body functions and what we need to remain strong and flexible.
Types of Commonly Practiced Pilates Exercises
- The Hundred
- Leg Circles
- Roll-Ups
- Single Leg Kicks
No matter what type of exercise you choose to pursue—whether it be weightlifting, yoga or Pilates—the benefits are immeasurable! Each form offers its unique advantages based on your individual needs and goals. Ultimately though—and most importantly—exercise should be something you enjoy doing so that you look forward to it every day! Exercise isn’t just about physical health but also mental well-being too, so make sure to find something that works for you! With all these options available at your fingertips—it is quite easy to get on board with any form of exercise that can help improve your health and most importantly keep you fit.
