Exercise and the Body
Exercise is one of the most important parts in a daily routine for the human body. It is essential to the well-being in the present and in the future. As everyone knows, exercise gets your blood moving through your body, furthering more oxygenation to the brain. This is why it is one of the best cures for emotional distress, anxiety and depression. Not to mention the amount of self-confidence that is found when you push your body further than you think is possible. It is also good for your heart.
According to Dr. William Kraus, even a moderate amount of exercise helps your heart,”. It reduces cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and aids in weight loss. Exercise has also proven to help with mental function. For example, a study was published last year in the journal Medicine and Sports and Excercise that “students with G.P.A’s of 3.5 or higher were three times more likely to participate in vigorous physical activity than students with a G.P.A under 3.0”. Exercise also spurs the brain to produce more of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This powerful protein encourages brain cells to grow, interconnect, and communicate in new ways. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Increased oxygen intake, increased blood flow, lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, better grades, new cellular development…should I go on? All it takes is even a mere 30 minutes a day and you could be steering your life for the better.
Try this one at home, no machines needed!
1) Stand holding 5- to 8-pound dumbbells. Step right leg out to side and bend knee to 90 degrees, reaching hands down on either side of right foot. Push off right foot to return to standing with right foot directly in front of left foot, arms sweeping up with palms facing in. Repeat on left side with left foot stepping behind right asyou return to center; that’s 1 rep. Do 24 reps, then switch lead legs and repeat.
2)Jumping Jacks: 2 Minutes
3)Dancing Squat: Stand with right foot forward, a 5- to 8-pound weight in left hand. Squat; touch weight to floor as right hand lifts. Stand, lift left knee, touch right hand to right left in front of you. Squat then stand; touch right hand to left foot behind you; that’s 1 rep.Do 24 reps; switch sides and repeat.
4) Tipsy Bridge: lift hips so your body forms a straight line Lower down, then lift right foot, bringing knee in toward chest. Returnfoot to floor; that’s 1 rep. Do 24 reps, then switch sides and repeat.6
5) Line Hops: 2 Minutes
6) Bicep Curls: 16 Reps, switch sides and repeat
7) Tricep Curls with a Twist: lie on back with knees bent, a 5- to 8-pound dumbbell in right hand lifted so weight is over shoulder. Let knees fall left while bending right elbow until end of weight touches floor near ear. Straighten right arm while lifting hips, legs, head, and shoulders. Lower gently down. Do 24 reps, then switch sides and repeat.
8) Roll over and Sit Up: do 16 reps, then switch directions and repeat.
9)Cross Crawl: raise your arms, then lift left knee and bring right elbow down to meet it. Repeat on opposite side; alternate for 2 minutes, moving as quickly as possible. You’re done!
Works Cited:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306919_last,00.html
http://www.health24.com/Fitness/FitnessGettingStarted/20-proven-benefits-of-exercise-20120721
http://www.tarnowcenter.com/blogs/535-use-exercise-to-improve-your-grades.html