Mr. X, a former soccer player, loved working out. He got pleasure from pushing himself hard at the gym. He figured regular physical activity and its health benefits would always be a part of his life. Then came marriage, three kids, work and a thousand excuses not to make it to the gym. For a while, he convinced himself he was still in pretty good shape. “Sure, you’re a few pounds heavier. Sure, your blood pressure’s a few points higher. But you’re still pretty healthy, right?” Well, maybe not. By the time he hit 40, Mr. X was 15kg heavier. It was time to do something.
A lot of men like Mr. X know this dilemma. As family and work life become more demanding, exercise begins to drop lower on the list of priorities. Sure, you know it’s supposed to be important. But when the lawn needs mowing and the kids want attention, it’s harder to justify lacing up your shoes for a good workout. Eventually, it’s easy to think, “why bother?” For one very good reason. Staying active is the most powerful way to remain healthy. It’s hardly news now that exercise keeps your heart and lungs working efficiently, but also prevents diabetes, high cholesterol and other related factors.
Still not convinced it’s time to do something? Consider the following health benefits you can get from regular exercise.
- Lower cholesterol – As most men get older, cholesterol numbers begin to move in the wrong direction. Levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) gradually increase. Levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, HDL), tend to fall. Unfortunately, that combination of high LDL and low HDL is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. Excess cholesterol accumulates on the inner lining of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. The best way to keep LDL cholesterol levels down is to eat a diet low in saturated fat. The best way to boost good HDL cholesterol…exercise.
- Lower triglycerides – Triglycerides are a form of fat found in the blood. Rising triglyceride levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease. Like studies for cholesterol showed, the most active men have the lowest triglyceride levels.
- Lower risk of high blood pressure – As blood pressure climbs, the risk of heart disease and stroke accelerates. Unfortunately, blood pressure levels typically climb as men get older. But they don’t have to. Studies have proven the more physically active the man, the lower their risk of developing hypertension.
- Lower risk of diabetes – Adult onset diabetes is fueled mostly by too much body fat. Staying active can help you keep the weight off. But research shows that even for people who are overweight or obese, exercise reduces the risk of diabetes.
- A hedge against cancers – Men who are obese may have an increased risk of cancer, including prostate cancer. If you are overweight or obese, work on losing weight. Exercise can help you manage a healthy weight.
- Strong bones – Another unwelcome effect of aging is thinning bones, which can lead to a greater risk of fractures. A study conducted on 3,262 men from their 40s to their 60s proved that strenuous physical activity dramatically lowered the risk of hip fractures.
So for all the men out there, remember, the more exercise you do, the more you benefit. An active life means a healthy life.
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