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What Are the Benefits of Exercise to Sedentary Adults?

After a hard day's work, it's tempting to collapse on the couch. However, a sedentary lifestyle can be hazardous to your health. The benefits of exercise to sedentary adults are numerous. Besides helping you tone up and lose weight, exercise also provides a mood boost and allows you to burn more calories even when you're sitting.

  1. Weight Loss

    • One of the major reasons people exercise is to lose weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who exercise with weights or strength train using their body weight for resistance can increase their metabolism up to 15 percent, even when resting. You don't have to pump iron to reap the weight-loss benefits of exercise, however. A brisk 30-minute walk each day, combined with a healthy diet, consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, can help you shed the pounds.

    Disease Prevention

    • Remaining sedentary dramatically increases your risk of developing certain diseases. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability warns that sedentary people have an increased risk of colon and breast cancer, but exercise can lead to a 40-percent reduction in cancer risk. The benefits of strength training in particular are numerous -- lifting weights helps reduce your risk for arthritis, diabetes and osteoporosis, to name a few. Regular exercise also helps strengthen your immune system.

    Improved Mood

    • If the physical benefits of exercise aren't enough to get you moving, consider the positive effect on your mental health. According to MayoClinic.com, exercise releases feel-good chemicals in your brain and often helps boost your self-esteem. The mood-stabilizing benefits of exercise may help you feel calmer and less anxious throughout the day. Exercise also boosts your energy, allowing you to participate in other activities that make you feel happy. Spending time with family and friends instead of sitting around alone may provide a secondary mood boost.

    Considerations

    • If you've been sedentary for a long time, see your doctor for a checkup before beginning any exercise program. Going from couch potato to athlete takes time, and trying to push the process can lead to injury. You may also want to see a nutritionist or dietitian, who can help you formulate a healthy meal plan to supplement your exercise goals. Once you start exercising, consider scheduling a session or two with a personal trainer, who can show you the best exercises to perform and the correct way to do them.

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