Weight Loss and Exercise

Weight Loss and Exercise

To keep your body in shape it is essential to exercise.  When you are inactive, the body uses glycogen and carbohydrates as sources for energy.  Once you begin performing aerobic exercises, 90 per cent of the energy comes from carbohydrates and 10 per cent from fats.  As you continue with your exercise routine for about 30 minutes, energy is provided equally by fats and carbohydrates.  Exercising has many other benefits other than helping you to lose weight:

·         It increases the rate of metabolism so that more calories are burned.

·         It increases the rate of break down and burn up of fat.

·         It increases your level of fitness.  You are able to perform more activities while expending lesser energy.

·         It strengthens and conditions your muscles.

·         It strengthens your bones.

·         It lowers your blood pressure. 

·         It increases the levels of high density-lipoprotein (HDL) (good) cholesterol and decreases the level of low density-lipoprotein (LDL) (bad) cholesterol.

·         It makes the heart stronger increasing the volume of blood pumped with each stroke.

·         It increases the amount of haemoglobin in your blood.

·         It expands the arteries that transport blood to the heart.

·         It reduces the probability of arteriosclerosis thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

·         It helps to lower the levels of triglycerides.

·         It helps in maintaining levels of blood sugar.

·         It enables you to sleep better.

·         It makes your skin feel and look healthier by improving the flow of blood.

• It has psychological benefits in that it makes you feel good.