By The SHAPE Team

PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE:

• Improved ability to deliver oxygen to the tissues due to improved cardiac function
• Increased life expectancy
• Decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer
• Decreased risk of developing Type II diabetes
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Control of blood pressure levels
• Improved blood lipid profile
• Optimize blood cholesterol
• Increased protection against the physiological effects of stress
• Increased resistance to fatigue
• Improved posture and body mechanics
• Strengthened tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles
• Increased lean body mass and decreased body fat
• Decreased risk of injury
• Decreased risk for low back pain
• More rapid recovery from illness and injury
• Improved sports performance
• Enhanced ability to perform all daily activities

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE:

• Relief of tension
• Reduction in symptoms of stress
• Improved sleeping habits resulting in decreased fatigue
• Improved ability to concentrate
• Improved appearance
• Improved self-image and confidence
• Improved quality of life

BENEFITS OF WEIGHT TRAINING:

• Increased lean body tissue (muscle mass) and reduced body fat
• Improved posture
• Increased bone mineral content (bone mass), reducing incidence of osteoporosis
• Better performance in daily activities and sports
• Reduction in arthritic pain
• Control of blood pressure
• Prevent and eliminate lower back pain
• Lowered risk for developing adult-onset diabetes
• Increased agility
• Improved appearance and self-confidence
• Improved overall strength

FIT vs FAT:

• Body fat builds up around all of your internal organs and muscles.
• It is important to realize that muscle weighs more than fat, and has a higher metabolic rate, therefore as you continue to weight train you may not notice drastic changes on the scales but your body will be functioning more efficiently and will be healthier for it.
• To facilitate fat burning, eat several small meals throughout the day low in simple or refined sugars. This will control the release of the hormone insulin, which ultimately causes fat storage.

FAT LOSS TIP:

Adding muscle mass is the best way to help your body lose fat. Muscle is very metabolically active. That is, it burns more calories at rest and during exercise than any other tissue. As muscle mass increases, body fat will invariably decrease.

DISCLAIMER
The information on www.shapetoronto.com is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health-care professionals. Please consult your physician or book a consultation with SHAPE before changing your diet or exercise program, for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and/or injuries, for advice regarding medications, and prior to making use of any of the information within our website, articles or newsletters.