Why exercise is important

Those who think that you only need to be fit to perform well in sports are wrong. Your body makes demands on your fitness all day, every day. Your fitness level depends partly on how much you exercise. So get moving! 

Exercise is important for several reasons. The degree to which you exercise, together with your diet and your rest, determines how fit you are. The fitter you are, the better your body functions. In his book Fit4Life Het Doktersrecept (Fit4Life The Doctor's Recipe), Dr. Stefan van Rooijen identifies five motor characteristics that enable your body to function properly: strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance and speed.

Exercise makes you fit

The idea that being fit is only important for achieving an athletic performance is a misconception. Your body makes demands on your fitness all day, every day. Examples include cycling to work, playing with your children, walking up the stairs, undergoing surgery or being ill. Your immune system also works better when you’re fit. 

If you are not fit and score low on the five motor traits, you are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. A less fit body also responds less well to any treatments or surgery that you might need. For example your fitness level, among other things, determines how well your body can tolerate chemotherapy. The fitter you are, the less likely you are to experience complications.

Less chance of injuries

In addition, you build muscle by exercising. It doesn’t matter whether you’re walking, cycling, climbing stairs, running or exercising in some other way – the more muscles you have, the better you are supported in your daily life. For example, having well-trained leg muscles makes it easier to climb the stairs. On reaching the top, you’ll be less exhausted and your heart won’t beat as rapidly.

Your muscles also protect your bones and joints when you bump into something or fall. The stronger your muscles are, the more effective they are as a cushion for impacts. Furthermore, strong muscles provide you with better balance. This reduces the chance of falling and you will also have better posture, which in turn prevents back, knee and foot problems.

Happiness chemical

Exercise is not only good for your physical fitness, but also for your mental state. Do you ever get overwhelmed by a blissful feeling after exercising? That’s completely normal. Moving causes an increase in the flow of blood to your brain, which results in a feeling of happiness. This is due to substances called endorphins, which are released during physical activity. Endorphins are also called the happiness chemical. Regular exercise can help you feel better about yourself, both literally and figuratively. Your self-confidence receives a boost and you can feel proud of yourself.

Therefore, remember that exercise is not only good for your physical fitness, but also for your mental health. To enjoy these benefits, exercise at a moderate intensity for 2.5 hours a week, but preferably one hour a day (brisk walking, cycling), and engage in muscle and bone strengthening activities (dancing, volleyball, playing outside) two to three times a week.

Author: Dr. Stefan van Rooijen, trainee general practitioner