Ever since I remember I was always involved in physical activities such as dance, softball, basketball, etc. Although I only performed exceptionally well in one of these, I do not regret partaking in these activities. This is because they had a positive impact in my life that I realize today as a young adult.

I will elaborate on the reasons why exercise is so important and why everyone should maintain some form of exercise in their lives.

1. Exercise helps people lower the risk of some diseases.

I think this reason is the most significant as to why exercise is beneficial. This is because exercise can help decrease the possibility of heart disease and can keep your blood pressure from getting too high. Regular physical activity can prevent type 2 diabetes, depression, strokes, some forms of cancer and more. This is possible because physical activity increases triglycerides and enhances high-density lipoprotein, also know as "good cholesterol." This ensures that blood flows accordingly.

2. You can maintain a healthy weight.

For some people, exercise may be for the purpose of a physical weight goal or achieving a certain body look. If this is the case for you then you should know that doing increments of exercise can be very effective. For example, if you do small portions of exercise (vigorous or not) you will make it easier to see progress. If you wait until the last moment to start working towards your weight goal then that will probably require a more strenuous workout in larger portions of time. This being said, even the smallest amounts of exercise a day helps, whether it is going to the gym or attending a Zumba class.

3. It helps improve your mood.

When exercising feel-good endorphins are released in the brain such as neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids. This enhances your mood and these chemicals also prevent depression. I have experienced this change in mood from going to the gym so I can easily agree with this notion, exercise improves my mood. Also, a good work out makes me feel more confident in my body and so it's also a good way of improving your self-esteem.

4. You can have more energy for the rest of your day.

Studies show that exercising in the morning is more beneficial because you have the rest of the day to be energized rather than conserving that energy at night when it is less useful. Doing regular chores or yard work can be done more efficiently throughout the day after oxygen and nutrients have been delivered to your tissues from your workout. Also, organs like the heart and lungs are more productive after any good form of physical activity.

5. Your sleep will be deepened.

Early exercising allows for more energy to do activities during the day, but it also calls for a deeper sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night then this may be a helpful tip for you. If you do some form of physical activity during the day I can assure you your body will be tired by the end of the night. One thing to make sure of though is to not exercise too close to your bed time because then it will be more difficult to fall asleep given all of the energy your body has created.

Daily physical activity can greatly benefit your life, for both the present and future. Remember that even the smallest amount of exercise can help regardless of what it is, but aim for doing 30 minutes a day. First, check up with your doctor to make sure you're in good health so any form of exercise isn't detrimental to your health. Also, do not get discouraged and think of all the benefits exercise has.