When people think of exercise they are usually talking about losing weight. This is wonderful, but it may not be what drives you. Getting to the gym is hard. It’s an internal struggle of why I don’t need to and how it can wait till tomorrow. If you do not have good reasons for exercise you may find these little voices taking over and ditching your workouts. Truth is, if you’re not taking care of yourself there is more to worry about than just not losing weight. It’s worth it to exercise every day and here are some of its benefits.
1). Energy and Metabolism – Exercise increases energy levels. It increases metabolism and blood flow and improves circulation, which in turn gives you more energy.
2). Improved Heart Function – The heart is a muscle, just like a bicep. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. It actually grows in size just like any other muscle would. A sedentary person has a smaller heart than an active person. Exercise also increases blood flow, which increases the size of the blood vessels. The bigger your blood vessels, the more blood, and in turn oxygen, your body can pump.
3). Boost Your Mood – Exercise has a positive influence on your mood. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which promote happiness. It can also help those dealing with depression and anxiety naturally.
4). Sleep – Exercise can strengthen circadian rhythms, which is the body’s natural time clock, and helps you separate the night from the day. Exercise decreases anxiety, so you are able to rest easier, which means better sleep. Plus, it tires you out, which means more restful sleep.
5). Reduces Your Risk for Diseases – The past surgeon general estimated that some 85% of all diseases were completely preventable with just diet and exercise. That’s a crazy statistic! Lifestyle changes and exercise can not only prevent disease, but it can also improve your quality of life. I mean your goal isn’t to just survive, were not cavemen, everyone wants to live life fully! Regular exercise can help cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
6). Improves Memory and Cognition – Exercise stimulates hormone production, which increases brain cell growth. It can also reduce changes to the brain that cause Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and inflammation.
7). Increases Sex Drive – Regular exercise has been proven to increase sex drive. It improves blood flow, thus has been proven to reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms. Just short, low intensity exercise has been shown to improve sexual behavior, including frequency and satisfaction.
8). Improves Self Confidence – Well, it goes without saying exercise makes you look better. Struggling with weight? Do something about it. No self-shaming allowed! If you’re unhappy do what is necessary to be happy. Exercise gives you a sense of accomplishment and makes you stronger too. Along with reducing stress, improving brain function and sleep patterns, why wouldn’t you want to exercise?
9). Helps with Addiction – Exercise is good for the body. If you have or had an addiction then you did some damage to the body. Exercise can help to reverse the effects of a ton of diseases naturally. It’s a great alternative to prescription drugs to help you quit and lessen withdrawal symptoms. Studies have shown it helps those who are trying to recover from addiction because of all the chemicals released in the brain during exercise, they are less likely to want to do drugs. It can also keep you around the right people. Those who have suffered from an addiction understand it’s hard when you have to leave all your friends behind, but the gym can be a great motivator. Being around others who want to be healthy just like you and are willing to do what it takes to get there can give you just the drive you need.
As you can see there are several health benefits to starting a fitness routine. And you do not have to do a lot. Most of these benefits can happen by doing short, low intensity workouts, even just walking. With all these great reasons, I hope you start your routine right away!