Maintaining a regular exercise routine is not only important for our physical health, but our mental health too. Regardless of your exercise goals, there are a number of supplements that can support a healthy body and mind such as the best protein powder for weight loss designed to help lower body fat and maintain the feeling of being full for longer. With the New Year almost upon us, we’re taking a closer look at some of the key benefits of exercise and how just 30 minutes of exercise per day can help to change your life.

Improve Brain Health

Maintaining physical activity on a regular basis can improve your cognitive health. It will help you think and learn and improve your memory, offering a great emotional balance. It will also reduce anxiety, releasing dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and norepinephrine into the brain.

DId you know? It only takes up to 30 minutes of daily exercise to lift your mood. You don’t necessarily need to head to the gym either as a brisk walk can also promote the release of endorphins.

Better Weight Management

Exercising on a regular basis, even for 30 minutes a day, offers greater weight management than not working out at all. The more physical activity you do, the more calories your body uses and so the more energy it will burn. Exercising also increases your metabolism, meaning that you’re likely to ‘burn’ energy/calories at a faster rate. It also means that you will require a higher calorie intake to maintain your weight.

Reduced Disease Risk

Regular exercise will help to strengthen the heart and improve your circulation, improving the flow of oxygen in your body. In turn, this helps to lower your risk of disease such as high cholesterol, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease. It will also help to lower your blood pressure which, in some cases, has been known to save lives. So, even though working out won’t necessarily stop you from getting these diseases, it significantly reduces your risk and the effects associated with them.

Stronger Bones

Exercise works in the same way for your bones as it does your muscles, making them stronger. Strong bones are incredibly important when we’re young, but even more so as you age. Working out results in stronger bones, helping to support your body regardless of how fatigued it may be. Our bones also protect important organs such as the heart and brain, making it a vital part of your daily routine. Introducing more calcium into your diet can also help to support stronger bones as well as consuming more almonds, broccoli, kale and tofu.

Improve Everyday Performance

Being healthy helps us to function, so regular exercise isn’t just beneficial to our physical and mental health, but our day to day lives, making it easier to carry out everyday activities and supporting good sleeping habits. By introducing regular exercise into your routine, you will begin to notice a difference to your day-to-day life. You may find that your tire less easily and find otherwise difficult tasks easier to fulfil.