Can Aerobic Workout Prevent Hair Loss?

Aerobic workouts, also known as cardio activities are known to have myriad health benefits, and one of them is that it prevents hair loss. Let’s find out how. When you indulge in aerobic workouts, it improves the blood circulation and an increased blood circulation to the scalp stimulates the hair follicles and fosters their growth. Experts recommend doing the cardio exercises at a moderate level for about 30 minutes for at least five days in a week for best results.

Those who wish to stay fit and healthy, but are apprehensive about heavy weightlifting for the fear of losing hair can shift their focus to aerobic workouts. Heavy weightlifting is mainly designed to help you build bulky muscle mass whereas the cardio exercises keep you healthy and physically fit. Some of the vigorous aerobic exercises include rowing and running.

Aerobic Workout Lowers DHT:

The most common type of hair loss in males is androgenic alopecia, and it is caused by the action of DHT or dihydrotestosterone on hair follicles. When testosterone reacts with 5-alpha reductase present in the hair follicles, it gets converted to DHT. This DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, and thus inhibit their growth until they eventually become dysfunctional with no new hair growth.

Intense workout regimes designed for the bodybuilders to develop lean muscle mass, leads to increased levels of testosterone. Although these exercises help bodybuilders achieve their goal, it unfortunately increases the testosterone, which can be turned to DHT or dihydrotestosterone, thus accelerating hair loss in the genetically predisposed individuals. Aerobic workouts on the other hand can reduce the DHT levels and thus help prevent hair loss.

Aerobic Workout Reduces Cortisone:

Regular aerobic workout reduces cortisone (stress hormone), and raises the production of serotonin and endorphins hormones that aid in decreasing stress levels. When cortisone levels rise in the body, it leads to hair fall as this hormone prevents hair follicles from growing properly. Thus aerobic exercises help control the level of cortisone and prevent hair loss.

In today’s world where technological developments and advanced machineries have made man inactive, most health problems are due to lack of exercise. Work stress and sedentary lifestyle contributes to hair loss, but you can prevent it by adding some aerobic exercises to your daily routine. Here are some simple and easy to do aerobic exercises that you may try:

Foot Powered Exercises:

According to the American Heart Association, walking is a type of cardio workout that should be done by all people. It helps in burning calories, keeps you fit and improves blood circulation which is essential to promote a healthy growth of hair. Rowing is another popular cardio workout which helps in preventing hair loss. You may use an indoor rowing machine to boost your health.

Leg Powered Exercises:

Bicycling is a leg powered low impact aerobic workout that helps in growing hair. You can do bicycling indoors or outdoor to keep healthy.

Daily Exercises:

You must consider indulging yourself with daily activities and exercises to ensure that your body stays healthy. Simple activities like gardening, taking stairs instead of elevators, and mowing your lawn can go a long way in improving your blood circulation and preventing hair loss.