A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program
Why Exercise is Essential for Everyone
In a generation consumed by numerous priorities constantly fighting for our attention, there is one aspect that all people can benefit from, exercise. Exercise has long been an ever-changing aspect that has altered through the decades, but one thing that has remained constant is the benefits which are reaped from it. From enhancing physical health and mental well-being, to fostering social connection, exercise allows people to become stronger in more ways than one. Dedicating a portion of your day to some form of physical activity is a worthwhile investment to make.
For me, exercise is a large part of my daily routine. As a three-season athlete, I find myself spending more time at the track than I do at home. Although running is not easy, I have found the power in pain, as well as learning to grow from experiences and challenges that I have faced. Going to practice knowing I am able to shut my mind off, and use my body as a tool to work with, has been putting a smile on my face for years now. As a kid, I grew up playing sports, everything from gymnastics, basketball, softball and more. In addition to helping me stay physically fit, I have also found many friends through a myriad of activities.
In Westfield, there is a large portion of the community that partakes in some sort of sport, starting as young as two. Many have lifelong friends which came from these activities. Starting from a young age, this teaches kids about the importance of moving your body to feel good, and learning the value of teamwork, as well as leadership. The benefits that are associated with activity as a kid help build a base that is built upon their whole lives.
Many focus on the losing weight aspect of activity, however there are many benefits associated that stretch beyond that. These come in the form of improving physical, mental, social and emotional health. According to medlineplus.gov, some benefits include reducing your risk of heart disease, help manage blood sugar and insulin levels, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve mood. These can all help contribute to an overall better, healthier and longer life.
A large problem associated with sedentary lifestyles in the United States is the lack of time that people are able to dedicate to movement. Some simple ways to incorporate exercise throughout the day are walking, which can be as short as 10 minutes of activity per day, but a simple way to incorporate more steps, as well as time outdoors. Additionally, joining any sports team or club which may be an investment of a few hours a day per week, though can be manageable to fit into one’s daily schedule. Without finding ways to break up your day, there comes the increased risk of mental health problems.
Exercise has also been linked to helping increase sleep, which is another way to help overall wellbeing. Nih.gov reveals that “studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and duration…other studies have shown that physical activity can help to reduce sleep disorders, such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and sleep apnea.” Small changes in one’s daily routine can lead to life changing results for some who have never experimented with exercise before.
Exercise comes in many shapes and sizes, so everyone is bound to find what will work for them. It may be trial and error, but at the end of the day, there is a form of physical activity that is beneficial for each individual. Remember that one size does not fit all, and it is okay to start slow, but you may be surprised at the changes which follow.
