Why Exercise Is Important for Women 

Of all the things you can do to improve your health and well-being, exercise may be the greatest choice to accomplish many things in one. As women, we function at our best when we feel good about the way we look and how we respond to what is going on around us. If we sleep better at night, we can count on having better days following good rest. When our bones are healthy and strong, we can do more physically and stay safe while completing all we want to tackle. Here we will discuss in more detail four reasons why exercise is important for women. You might be surprised by all the ways doing this one thing can help you achieve optimal health.

1. Get Moving to Boost Your Happy Hormones
   
   Did you know exercise can prevent mood swings and ward off depression? Physical activity in the form of walking, swimming, hiking, or biking releases endorphins, which are hormones that regulate our moods. Aim for a minimum of 45 minutes a day doing something you find fun.
   
   
2. Use Resistance Training to Improve Bone Health
   
   Resistance training is any exercise that causes the muscles to contract. It can be done with elastic bands, dumbbells, or even your own body weight. Building muscle mass increases your metabolism, decreases body fat, and improves the strength of your bones. As women age, they are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Doing any weight-bearing exercise will lessen joint pain, improve posture, and prevent fractures from occurring.
   
   
3. Support Your Weight Control Efforts by Being Active Every Day
   
   Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about eating well. Moving daily is an important piece to keeping those unwanted pounds away. Weight loss occurs when we consume fewer calories than we burn. So, it makes sense to set a goal to expend as many calories as you can to help control your weight. Remember you don’t need to exercise all at once. If it works better for you to take two shorter walks a day, then go for it!
   
   
4. Move Now to Sleep Well Later
   
   How would you feel if you knew the secret to falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer? Sounds amazing, right? Exercise is a great way to make this a reality for you. By getting your body moving, you reduce your stress level and can relax. Activity tires the body out, which is to your advantage come bedtime.

Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program to ensure you are ready to participate in the activity you choose safely. If you need help getting started or have questions for a physician, reach out to Women’s Medical Associates of Nashville today.