Exercising can be very challenging for some people. But maintaining discipline and finding a modality that is pleasant to perform are key pieces to move and conquer a healthier lifestyle. The National Day to Combat Sedentarism, March 10, is a date created to make the population aware of the dangers that inactivity, common among Brazilians, brings. So we’ve listed 3 little-known benefits of practicing physical exercises. Check out!
1. Promotes anti-aging action on the skin
A series of mechanisms are involved in the anti-aging action provided by physical exercises. “Physical exercises increase blood supply to the skin, improving cell function and, consequently, hydration. Collagen and elastin, responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, are also stimulated by physical activity”, says Dr. Cintia Guedes, dermatologist and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).
In addition, according to the doctor, practicing physical activity helps to fight the aging process of the skin tissue, since the exercises have an anti-inflammatory action and reduce the production of free radicals.
Another anti-aging benefit is the proper use of energy from carbohydrates, for example, the sugar we consume. Plastic surgeon Dr. Beatriz Lassance, member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), explains that excessive sugar consumption leads to increased oxidative stress and collagen glycation. “A process in which excess sugar binds to the skin’s supporting fibers, accelerating the appearance of sagging and wrinkles,” she says.
two. Prevent joint problems
Sedentary patients have a decrease in muscle mass, with consequent loss of joint protection. So, exercising is key to maintaining joint health.
“Exercise directly benefits joints in three ways: helping to maintain body weight; activating the circulation of synovial fluid, which nourishes the cartilage through the soaking process; and strengthening the musculature, which exerts a protective effect on the joints by improving the biomechanical performance and support of the skeleton,” explains Dr. Marcos Cortelazo, orthopedic specialist in knee and sports traumatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).
The professional still remembers that the joints were made to be moved. “If they remain stationary for a long time, the joints undergo a process of atrophy and stiffness that causes pain”, adds the specialist. You don’t have to go far to experience the full benefits of exercise. “It is recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise a week. But any activity can already bring benefits, such as increasing the number of steps per day and climbing stairs”, concludes Dr. Beatriz Lassance.
3. Helps in fertility
Several studies report that physical activity, if not exhausting, done without the use of steroids and with adequate nutrition, is capable of conferring benefits on fertility, with greater chances of the individual conceiving a child.
“One of the great benefits of physical exercise in terms of fertility is better weight control. Obesity, in addition to favoring the emergence of diseases that can cause problems during pregnancy, has a direct influence on fertility”, says Dr. Rodrigo Rosa, specialist in human reproduction and clinical director of Clínica Mater Prime, in São Paulo.
According to the doctor, in the specific case of men, excess body fat impairs testosterone production. With the alteration of this hormone, sexual appetite can be reduced and cause erection difficulties, as well as interfere with the quality and quantity of sperm. “In general, the greater the overweight, the lower the quality, concentration and mobility of the sperm”, he points out.
In women, the doctor considers that inadequate weight interferes with the production of female sex hormones, mainly estrogen, which, consequently, disrupts the ovulation process. “And, in this case, it is not just about obesity, since excessively thin women, such as those who suffer from anorexia, are also less likely to get pregnant, in addition to having a greater risk of entering menopause early”, adds the professional.
By Guilherme Zanette
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.