Physical activities are an important part of many people’s lives, but some may not be able to partake in these activities due to orthopedic or physical limitations. Physical activity increases the pain tolerance of an individual and helps them manage stress and other health issues. It has also been shown that physical activity can lower a person’s risk for heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, epilepsy, and certain types of cancer.
The benefits of physical activities
1. Increases the pain tolerance of an individual
This is because an individual will be able to engage in constant physical activity for longer periods of time.
2. Helps manage stress and other health issues
This is because the body will have built up muscle which can increase endurance for a longer period of time and help an individual manage their stress levels. Diabetics have higher levels of stress than the general population, so this could be a potential benefit for those people as well. Physical activities also keep the heart healthy, which reduces the risk of heart disease being developed in a person later on in life.
3. Reduces a person’s risk for certain types of cancer
Physical activities such as walking and cycling have been shown to reduce the risk for some types of cancer because the body will have built up muscle in the individual. The added power that comes with physical activity can also help an individual lower their blood pressure, which will therefore help them not to develop some cancers.
4. Helps with weight loss and weight management
Physical activities such as running, dancing, aerobics, and swimming can help spread fat around the body in order to reduce it so that it is not seen on the skin. This helps address fat storage in cells which will lead to a lower BMI (Body Mass Index). Having a lower BMI can help prevent future weight gain and obesity.
5. Increases bone density in children and adults
Weight-bearing exercise can help the body grow stronger bones which can be seen on a CT scan. Furthermore, young children who participate in physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or even dancing are less likely to grow orthopedic problems later on. It has also been shown that this decreased risk of developing a herniated disc is dependent on how much an individual participates in physical activities as a child.
