Self-Advocacy |

Self-Advocate Blog: Importance of Working Out

Self-advocates write blog posts and stories about their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. These blog posts connect self-advocates to each other. If you would like to share a blog post, please email chloeahlf@arcminnesota.org.

Exercise can help prevent access weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage many health problems and concerns, including: stroke, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less stressed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, get better sleep, and deepen your sleep. Increasing your heart rate several times a week will allow more get-up-and-go activities. When faced with mental and emotional challenges in life, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors that ultimately only make your symptoms worse, exercising can help you cope in a healthy way. 

by Cam