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01:25

7 Health Benefits of Exercise (that Have Nothing to Do with Weight Loss)

In this video, learn how exercise benefits your overall health, besides just promoting weight loss.

Lauren Smith, MAAlexandra Schwarz, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on November 30, 2023

Weight loss isn’t the only reason to make time for a good sweat every day. Here are other critical science-backed health benefits of exercise that go way beyond the numbers on the scale.

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References

American Heart Association. (2023). Lifestyle changes for heart attack prevention.

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Osteoporosis exercise for strong bones.

View All References (7)

Dzierzewski, J.M., et al. (2014). Exercise and sleep in community-dwelling older adults: Evidence for a reciprocal relationship. Journal of Sleep Research.

Guszkowska, M., et al. (2013). Influence of a single physical exercise class on mood states of pregnant women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Hamilton, G.F., et al. (2015). Exercise regulation of cognitive function and neuroplasticity in the healthy and diseased brain. Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science.

Huisinga, J.M., et al. (2011). Elliptical exercise improves fatigue ratings and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. Journal Articles: University of Nebraska Omaha.

Tozzi, L., et al. (2016). Longitudinal functional connectivity changes correlate with mood improvement after regular exercise in a dose-dependent fashion. European Journal of Neuroscience.

Wegner, M., et al. (2014). Effects of exercise on anxiety and depression disorders: Review of meta-analyses and neurobiological mechanisms. CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets.

Yang, S.Y., et al. (2015). The effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function of Alzheimer’s Disease patients. CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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