Mental Health Benefits: Regular movement decreases risk of depression and anxiety, and boosts confidence.
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4. Long-Lasting Lifestyle Benefits (1 Year and Beyond)
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Lower chance of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Slower Aging Process: Exercise protects DNA and cells, keeping your body younger for longer.
Sharpened Brain Function: More blood flow to the brain improves memory, focus, and creativity.
Stronger Immunity: Regular activity boosts your immune system, helping you fight infections better.
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✅ In short: When you start exercising regularly, your body first struggles to adapt, but gradually it becomes stronger, healthier, and more energetic. Your heart, lungs, muscles, bones, brain, and even your mood improve — leading to a longer, happier, and healthier life.
00:00If you're thinking about leading a more active lifestyle, you're not alone.
00:06In recent years, an increasing number of Americans have started participating in more sports, fitness, and recreation.
00:13Whether you're trying to get fit, build muscle, or you're just tired of the couch, here are some changes you can expect along the way.
00:20During that first workout, you might feel more alert and energized because ramping up your heart rate means a boost in overall blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
00:33But prepare yourself for the day after, when you'll almost certainly get a case of DOMS, short for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.
00:41The soreness will persist for about 72 hours, but the good news is you're less likely to get it again as long as you continue to regularly exercise those same muscles.
00:51Over the next few weeks, you'll slowly start to ramp up production of mitochondria via a process called mitochondrial biogenesis.
00:59Mitochondria are the parts of your cells that convert carbs, fat, and protein into fuel that your muscles use to do their job, like flex and contract.
01:08After six to eight weeks, studies have shown that people can increase their mitochondria by up to 50%.
01:14With more mitochondria in your cells, you'll start to feel more fit and your endurance will increase.
01:19So running three miles will no longer feel as difficult as it did during the first week.
01:24Once you're six months in, all of that hard work should finally start to show.
01:28If your workouts focus on strength training, you'll notice your muscles begin to take shape.
01:33You're also less likely to fall off the workout wagon at this point.
01:37Exercise programs often see a 50% dropout rate within the first six months, but after that, more people stick with it.
01:44Now, if you're more focused on cardio, then by nine months of regular exercise, you should see about a 25% increase in your VO2 max.
01:52VO2 max is often used as a measure of fitness and refers to the rate your body can transport oxygen to your muscles for fuel.
01:59Basically, higher VO2 max means you can run faster for longer.
02:03So a 25% increase means you can run about 20% further in the same amount of time.
02:08After one year of regular exercise, your bones will be denser, which reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
02:15In fact, researchers have found that regular resistance training when combined with aerobic exercise can actually reverse the effects of osteoporosis after 12 months.
02:24Now, if you maintain your exercise program long-term, your body might not be the only thing to benefit.
02:30Your bank account may also beef up.
02:32One study revealed that older people who exercised five days a week for at least 30 minutes saved on average $2,500 a year in medical costs for heart-related health problems alone.
02:43You'll also be at a lower risk of developing arthritis, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer like breast and colon.
02:52In all probability, you are going to live longer than you otherwise would.
02:56In that longer life, it will likely feel more fulfilling because exercise lowers the risk of anxiety and depression by reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
03:06Of course, all of these benefits depend on the type and intensity of your workout and how long you exercise for each week.
03:13A balanced diet is also paramount to a healthy lifestyle.
03:16For the average adult ages 18 to 64, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends either a minimum of 2.5 hours per week of moderately intense exercise, like brisk walking or biking,
03:28or at least 1 hour and 15 minutes each week that combines moderate and high intensity workouts like running and swimming sprints.
03:36On top of that, make sure and take 2 days each week to strengthen your muscles with some weights or resistance training.
03:41This will help your overall speed and endurance.
03:44As you begin, it's important to pace yourself and not push too hard too fast or you risk serious injury.
03:51You'll discover that the fitter you become, the easier it will be to exert a little more energy the next week, the week after, and so forth.
03:58Exercise smart and often, and you'll be running marathons in no time.
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