Regular exercise builds muscles and body strength, regulates blood circulation, brings hormonal balance, and manages stress levels. And combining physical activity with proper food habits can do wonders for one’s health. Studies have shown that exercising lowers one’s risk of developing chronic diseases. However, if one’s already diagnosed with the following conditions, one can add suitable exercises to their routine and see significant changes in how one manages the symptoms.

Diabetes
Studies by the American Diabetes Association have shown that type-2 diabetic patients who follow regular physical exercise are better able to manage their condition. Type-2 diabetes occurs when one’s body cannot produce enough insulin or the cells cannot respond to it. Insufficient insulin results in excessive sugar in one’s bloodstream, leading to many health complications, including kidney failure, stroke, or blindness. Furthermore, exercise lowers blood sugar levels and boosts the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Hypertension
Hypertension is a common condition with higher blood pressure than usual. High blood pressure causes heart muscles to stiffen and prevents them from pumping blood effectively. This disease is caused by a sedentary lifestyle where exercise can significantly assist in achieving the appropriate blood pressure range.

High cholesterol
High cholesterol is a condition where fatty deposits obstruct one’s blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. Although the condition may be inherited, it is usually a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly and making sound food choices can help lower one’s cholesterol. Walking, skipping, swimming, running, or other cardio-based exercises can improve blood flow and heart health.

PCOS
Women with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) develop small cysts in the ovaries and face irregular menstrual cycles, excessive body hair, acne, and other health concerns. The cause of PCOS is unknown, but common risk factors include the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively, obesity, or family history. Along with treatments, doctors often suggest PCOS patients add exercise to their routine to accelerate healing. Jogging, cycling, walking, and swimming improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate ovulation.

Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that inflames one’s cartilage and affects one’s bones and joints. Light exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching can relieve joint pressure, strengthen the muscles around them, and take the weight off the joints. Exercise does not repair the damage but may prevent the condition from worsening.

Mental health
Patients with mental health issues like chronic anxiety and depression can benefit greatly from regular exercise. Cardio exercises boost one’s feel-good hormones called endorphins, promote cellular growth, and improve mood and overall psychological well-being. Adding breathing techniques and yoga or stretching can also help one to find balance.

Coronary artery disease
A typical heart condition, coronary artery disease restricts blood flow to the heart due to fatty deposits on the walls of one’s arteries. These narrowed arteries weaken heart muscles and lead to chest discomfort, breathing issues, or even a stroke. In addition, regular 30-minute exercise or interval training can improve heart function, lung capacity, blood flow, and oxygenation throughout one’s body.