How exercise boosts wellbeing

How does exercise make many parts of our bodies work better - from cardiovascular, brain and memory to bone and muscle health

Statistics show only one in four (23.9%) people aged 15 years and over meet the physical activity guidelines. So, what motivates Australians to eject from the seat and exercise?

It may be that for women, ‘appearance’ is the number one prod. For men it may be ‘being affiliated’ with something larger than themselves. Think clubs and sporting teams.

But collectively, we could be missing one of the biggest drawcards to drawing a sweat.

Exercise supports the body from the brain to the bones

Namely, that exercise makes every part of our bodies work better, from our brains right down to our bones. Lacing up sneakers is to the body as chocolate is to the taste buds – the sweetest of things. (And sure, we’re talking about the benefits here, rather than the sweat required in getting active.)

Benefits:

Exercise is known to support cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health including improvement of muscle tone and bone health which decreases the risks of falls and fractures that can lead to inactivity and social isolation.

A 2013 study from the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience confirms a brain-energising effect. Researchers examined people over 50 who punched out time on a stationary gym bike or treadmill for one hour, three times a week for 12 weeks. Their data suggest that even shorter-term aerobic exercise can facilitate neuroplasticity to benefit brain health in sedentary adults. 

“Physical exercise may be one of the most beneficial and cost-effective therapies widely available to everyone to elevate memory performance,” says lead researcher Sandra Chapman. “These findings should motivate adults of all ages to start exercising.”

TAKE ACTION: Boost your body, mind & mood with our 3-step action plan to move your way to better wellbeing

Whether you run, hit the gym or do a yoga class, the most important thing is to make sure it's something you'll enjoy and something that you'll commit to.

“Finding something you’re willing to do on a regular basis is essential," says James Donnelly. "Three brief, high intensity interval training workouts weekly can be sufficient to maintain good physical health.

But also consider the brain and mood benefits from long distance or activities such as walking, cycling or running. While you’re taking a long walk, for instance, you’ve got time to reflect, stop the internal chatter about life’s challenges, chat with a workout partner or connect with nature."

READ MORE: How to get in the mood to exercise