Exercise helps people look, feel younger

ROCHESTER, Minn., March 5 (UPI) -- Exercise may not stop aging, but it provides many benefits to help people look and feel younger, a U.S. health newsletter suggests.

The March issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource says that exercise provides energy. A lack of energy is largely a result of inactivity and endurance exercises such as walking, swimming, jogging, biking and rowing improve both stamina and energy.

"There's considerable evidence that regular physical activity can help reduce stress, manage mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, improve sleep, boost mood and enhance the overall sense of well-being," Women's HealthSource says in a statement.

"Exercise burns calories and burning more calories than consumed can reduce body fat. Exercise raises metabolism during the activity and after and in the long-term, both factors help maintain weight loss."

During moderate exercise, immune cells circulate more quickly through the body and are better at destroying viruses and bacteria, researchers say.

Studies have shown that exercise, improves mental function, increases overall life expectancy and a regular strength training program can help maintain muscle mass and tone to counteract the effects of gravity and aging.