Short and Long Term Effects of Exercise

Short-Term Effects of Exercise

The Immediate or Short-term Effects of exercise are temporary responses of the body to physical activity. These effects typically subside after some time has passed post-exercise.
During exercise, the body experiences an increase in heart rate. This increase is to facilitate quicker blood circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles that are actively working.
Breathing rate also increases as a direct response to exercise. This allows for greater oxygen intake and faster removal of waste carbon dioxide.
Body temperature rises due to the metabolic activities happening more intensively during exercise.
Exercise can cause the muscles to fatigue when they undergo intense or extended use.
Short-term exercise promotes vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels to allow more blood flow to the muscles during physical activity.

Long-Term Effects of Exercise

The Long-term effects of regular exercise are changes that occur over a longer time scale, providing significant benefits to the physical and mental health of a person.
Regular exercise leads to cardiovascular improvements. A stronger heart can pump more blood per beat, decreasing resting heart rate and blood pressure.
Over time, respiratory function improves. There’s an increase in the capacity of lungs to extract and use oxygen, making physical tasks easier to perform.
Exercise helps to increase muscle strength and endurance. Regular workout enhances the size, strength and efficiency of muscles.
Regular and consistent physical activity promotes increased bone density. This helps to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and maintains overall structural health.
Exercise aids in weight management. It helps to control the body’s weight by burning excess calories that may otherwise be stored as fat.
Regular physical activity can lead to improved mental health. It has been correlated with lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Concerning both types of effects, it’s important to remember that all workouts should be appropriately balanced with rest and nutrition to prevent overtraining and injury.