Many reliable studies have shown that exercises are beneficial for preventing and/or treating several mild-severe medical conditions. The studies also found a strong positive relationship between higher levels of fitness training and higher functional state/improved quality of life.
The World Health Organization describes “quality of life” as closely associated with a rather subjective perception a person has about a complete state of physical, psychological (mental), and social well-being, and not merely the absence of a disease or health condition, shaping it as a multidimensional concept. Conceptualizing this meaning, here are a few proven ways how fitness training can enhance your quality of life.
Extends Mobility and Vitality
Engaging in regular fitness training has been shown to slow the natural decline of physical performance that occurs as we grow. Staying active helps to maintain a healthy level of cardiovascular fitness, metabolism, and muscle function. Studies have shown that people who chose to maintain an active lifestyle from an early age or mid-life, were able to preserve their mobility and vitality as they aged making a tremendous impact on reducing levels of dependency and improving their overall quality of life.
Wards off depression
According to WHO as of 2021, approximately 280 million people in the world deal with depression. While people try to solve this issue with the help of therapies and counseling, research has shown that there is a strong link between regular fitness training and improved mood, which helps in combating depression.
Aerobic exercises in specific stimulate the release of mood-lifting hormones such as dopamine and reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormones. This healthy balance between happy and sad hormones relieves stress and promotes a sense of well-being. In addition to that, the rhythmic contractions that are achieved in almost all types of fitness training guided by a professional personal trainer can contribute to an increase in the level of brain chemical “Serotonin”, which can combat negative feelings.
Improves Quality Of Sleep
Much has been emphasized about sleep and quality of life over the past decades. Getting at least six to nine hours of sleep per night has shown higher ratings of quality of life and lower ratings for depression. Those who maintain a normal sleep routine with a duration of six to nine hours per night have self-reported scores of high quality of life compared to short sleepers.
Certified personal trainers and coaches believe that regular fitness training provides three main sleep benefits. (1) helps you fall asleep faster (2) allows you to spend more time in deep sleep (3) gives you fewer nighttime awakenings. In fact, they also comprehend that exercising is the only proven way for healthy adults to increase the amount of deep sleep they need to renew and repair their bodies for a healthy life.
Enhances Sex Life
Despite sexual dysfunction relating to many common health conditions around the world, discussions relating to sexual health are uncommon in clinical encounters. Sexual health and satisfaction are also two important aspects of quality of life for both men and women.
Moderate to vigorous aerobic exercises of about 30 minutes for at least 3-4 days a week can boost your libido, improve your sex life and overall quality of health and well-being. According to a research conducted by Harvard health professionals, men who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day were 41% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to sedentary men. Similarly, 20 minutes of fitness training through cycling for a day boosted women’s sexual arousal by 169%.
To attain a good quality of life through fitness training, you should be aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate fitness training, five days a week, or as directed by your personal trainer to complement your goals.
