The modern life demands women to be more active. Studies, work, family and home represent challenges that make them unstoppable. Practicing sports as a discipline or hobby can bring many benefits for women, such as balancing emotions and the mind, increasing self-esteem, adding some extra energy and most importantly, improving health.
The menstrual cycle will accompany women throughout life. For many women, this represents a disturbance that limits certain activities, but studies show that the pain and discomfort during the period are significantly lower with the regular practice of sports. Besides, it mitigates fatigue and improves our mood.
Physical exercises reduce stress. When we’re exercising, our body creates endorphins, known as the hormones of happiness, because they are associated with positive mood states. Women who exercise regularly will lose weight and improve their body, which will consequently increase their self-esteem.
Sports benefit many women who usually suffer from headaches, migraines and leg fatigue. These conditions may be related with poor circulation of the blood and lack of oxygen. A study by the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, showed that the practice of physical exercise can be as effective as the use of medication to prevent migraines.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) made a statement saying that “the benefits associated with regular physical activity and exercise promote a healthier and more independent lifestyle, which significantly improves functional capacity and the quality of life of the elderly population”. Besides, they recommend 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardio 5 days a week, which can be walking, jogging, swimming or dancing, and they also suggest strength building exercises two days a week.
In Spain, a study was conducted to determine the effects of geronto gym for five months, which showed improvements in heart rate and arterial pressure, as well as psychological, sociological and emotional benefits.
Biologists Carmen Sánches Mora and María Emilia Beyer said that “in order to access all the benefits promoted by exercise, people need a routine of aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming and cycling; sports that substantially increase the heart rate. However, it’s important to make sure that our need to exercise does not exceed certain limits. If we add the release of endorphins – our ‘internal happiness drug’ – to all the benefits caused by regular and vigorous exercise, then what’s better than creating the habit of practicing a healthy and pleasant activity?”
ALFA