Exercise has many physiological benefits that contribute to effective weight management. Regular exercise improves general fitness of our musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. These changes make exercise and movement easier and increased muscle mass helps burn more calories. Exercise also improves the regulation and movement of nutrients, hormones, blood and oxygen through our immune, endocrine and digestive systems that directly impact weight management. A healthier body through the improvement of these systems is better equipped to manage challenges, fight off disease, digest food (and use nutrients), regulate hormones, improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and eliminate waste.

Exercise raises our metabolic rate both during and after exercise. Regular exercise and increased muscle mass can increase our resting metabolic rate, which means we burn more calories at rest. This makes it easier to reduce or manage our weight. This is why it is important and beneficial to include a variety of types of exercise, including cardio-vascular and resistance/weights, to effectively manage weight and not rely on diet alone as an intervention.

More than just weight loss:

An active lifestyle provides many benefits. Our nervous system responses are improved, our mental health generally improves, and our metabolism is higher if we lead an active lifestyle. we have better health in general if we lead an active lifestyle. Heart conditions, diabetes, cholesterol, and some cancers are also reduced. Being active regularly leads to better recovery, better bone and muscle health, and we are less likely to suffer from falls later in life due to improved balance. A minimum of 30 minutes of activity is recommended daily. Scheduling in regular movement breaks and avoiding sedentary behaviours like sitting at a desk all day is a good practice to improve our health outcomes.