Forms of Exercise

Various forms of exercises can be performed from children to adults. Some of these are –

Aerobics – This involves rhythmic aerobic exercise by including strength training modules and stretching. The exercise is performed to music in a group headed by an instructor.

Step Aerobics – This exercise involves use of an elevated platform or a step. One can increase the height of the step for more hard workouts. This exercise was innovated in 1989 by Gin Miller.

Facial Exercise – One can improve the skin tone and elasticity by working out the face muscles in this exercise.

Cardio Exercise – This exercise is beneficial for weight loss and features various activities like running, cross-country skiing, bicycling, swimming, rowing, rock climbing, walking and handball.

Benefits of Exercise

Exercise strengthens our muscles and cardiovascular system, improves athletic skills and maintains weight. Regular exercises help in boosting the immune system and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

It also prevents Type 2 diabetes and obesity, improves mental health and helps prevent depression. Strength training has continuous energy-burning effects even after 24 hours after workouts. Exercise also reduces the development of dementia and may also reverse brain damage caused by effects of alcohol.

With long term exercise the brain benefits by a number of ways like -

• There is increased oxygen and blood flow to the brain
• There is increased growth factor which helps in creation of new nerve cells and promoting synaptic plasticity.
• The brain produces increased levels of chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and norepinephrine which help cognition.