Top Ten Benefits of Exercise

In my practice I see a lot of people suffering with various kinds of pain and other health problems. I believe that most of these folks would benefit tremendously from exercise. I know it is a hard habit to take up if you are not already an athlete, but it is worth the effort in so many ways. Here are the top ten benefits I want my patients to enjoy.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Whether running, swimming, biking, using gym equipment like ellipticals, or simply taking a brisk walk, aerobic exercise benefits your lungs, heart, and circulation and can help prevent stroke or heart attack.

2. Joint and Muscle Health

Knees, back, ankles, feet, and the associated soft tissue including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves can all improve in health and function through proper exercise. This is particularly important for patients dealing with back pain, neck pain, or hip and leg pain.

3. Bone Strength

Proper use of bones through exercise increases the trabeculation of essential calcium into bone tissue, helping prevent osteoporosis and osteomalacia as you age.

4. Stress Relief

Challenging exercise creates endorphins, your body's natural pain killers and relaxants. Exercise can help you temporarily set aside problems, and the fatigue it produces can help you relax and sleep better at night.

5. Psychological Benefits

Performing challenging exercise and accomplishing your workout goals can improve your outlook and self image in ways that carry over into every area of your life.

6. Enjoy Eating More

One of the side effects of challenging exercise and the caloric burn that comes with it is being able to eat more, hopefully healthy food, without the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

7. Anti-Aging Effects

Exercise slows the aging that a sedentary lifestyle accelerates. Research shows that regular exercise supports brain function and actually stimulates brain cell growth. It is one of the most powerful anti-aging tools available.

8. Weight Loss

Calories burned through exercise lead to weight loss over time, which in turn reduces your risk of high blood pressure, poor cholesterol, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and a host of other health problems.

9. Social Interaction and Friendly Competition

Challenging yourself physically can lead to a desire to share that experience with others. Exercise is easier and more enjoyable when you do it with friends. The social component takes some of the work out of the workout.

10. Improved Appearance

You will likely be impressed with the positive changes in your body, including improved muscle tone and even skin tone, that come with a consistent exercise habit.

Exercise and Chiropractic Care Work Well Together

As a Greenville chiropractor who is also an active powerlifter, cyclist, and mountain biker, I believe strongly in the value of exercise as part of an overall approach to health. Chiropractic care and regular exercise complement each other well. When your spine and joints are moving correctly, you can exercise more effectively and with less risk of injury. And when you are exercising regularly, your body responds better to chiropractic treatment.

If you are dealing with pain that is keeping you from being as active as you want to be, that is exactly the kind of problem we solve at Brown Chiropractic Center. Schedule a complimentary consultation and let us help you get back to moving the way you want to.

Dr. Jeff W. Brown, D.C.

Brown Chiropractic Center, Greenville, SC

(864) 271-0001