Keeping fit is something that is easy on Islands, given the plethora of sporting and recreational activities to hand. So what are the top health benefits of keeping in shape? Here we find out…

  1. Increased longevity. In a study that examined mortality rates over 26 years in more than 17,000 men who had attended Harvard University, life expectancy was 2 years longer in those who expended 2,000 calories per week during exercise compared with those who stayed on the sofa. A fairly modest investment of effort brings a large return
  2. Disease prevention. Exercise is a powerful immunisation against almost every disease. It fends off disease better than anything pharmaceutical companies could ever hope to sell
  3. Mental health and agility. Keeping physically fit does not just influence the physical body. Research has found that regular exercise improves memory, multitasking and planning abilities. It’ll help you maintain your faculties and fend off dementia
  4. Improved sense of wellbeing. Exercise lifts your mood, mostly because you’re doing something to take your body a step closer to improvement. During and after exercise, you manufacture feel-good chemicals and hormones. Your body rewards you for looking after it
  5. Reduced risk of cancer. Both sexes may possibly be positively influenced by staying fit. The Harvard School of Public Health says that fit people potentially have a lower risk of developing certain cancers. These include colon cancer in both men and women and breast cancer in women
  6. Enhanced self-confidence. Looking in the mirror and seeing something you — and other people — like is a powerful ego booster. The simple act of doing something healthy and productive for yourself will ramp up your self-esteem
  7. Better bone strength. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile. This is associated with aging but staying fit lowers the risk of this happening. Keeping bones strong will also reduce the risk of fractures
  8. More energy. You spend energy to get more energy. Regular exercise plays a consistent role in reducing fatigue and improving energy levels
  9. Better sleep. Lack of sleep can make you feel as though you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders and affects your performance at work. A study at Oregon State University found that people sleep significantly better and feel more alert when maintaining an active lifestyle

To wrap up, physical activity undoubtedly takes some effort for most of us but the benefits are huge when you consider the potential health improvement it brings. Do keep in mind that the benefits of physical fitness are greatest within the context of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. And of course your lifestyle will partly be affected by where you choose to live and work…

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