We all know about the importance of exercise and the benefits it has on our health. People talk about how it makes them feel good, and your doctor may encourage you to be more physically active.
But getting motivated to start a workout routine can be tough. Here are 8 benefits of exercise that may inspire you to get off the couch.
8 benefits of exercise
1. Keeps you super-charged
Ever wondered why some people never seem to be tired even after a hectic day? Exercise helps your body release hormones called endorphins into the bloodstream, keeping you feeling energized throughout the entire day.
Working out also improves strength and stamina, which can help you accomplish everyday tasks and chores with less physical effort.
2. Combats disease
Do you worry about heart disease and high blood pressure? You can keep them at bay through regular exercise, which helps your heart pump more efficiently and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can also help prevent or manage health problems include:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
- Stroke
- Falls
3. Boosts your mood
Feeling low or out of sorts? A 30-minute workout session or a brisk walk can instantly brighten your mood. Again, endorphins play a role here by making you feel happier, more relaxed and less anxious.
As you start to see visible results and more toned muscles, you may also get a boost to your confidence and self-esteem.
4. Boosts your brain power
Who doesn’t want to feel smarter? Though it won’t necessarily put you on par with Albert Einstein, exercise can improve your mental function.
Physical activity stimulates the release of the hormone serotonin in your brain, which leads to improved mental clarity and can thus help you improve your overall productivity at work. It can also improve your thinking and reasoning ability, leading to better decision-making.
5. Allows you to treat yourself to some calories
Do you crave snacks but fear putting on the weight? When you exercise, you burn off calories and improve your metabolism. That gives you some leeway to satisfy a craving and eat what you enjoy now and then without having to worry about adding on too many calories.
6. Brings spark to your sex life
Too tired or out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular exercise may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction in men and can improve sex drive in women.
7. Gives you the opportunity to connect with people
Exercise can be fun and enjoyable, giving you a chance to connect with family and friends. Doing a workout with a partner can also help you reach your fitness goals more easily than trying to do it all alone. So make exercise a social event by doing it with your family and friends over a Zumba class or a brisk walk.
8. Provides relief from aches and pains
Exercise can be a good form of physiotherapy for stubborn aches or chronic injuries. But before you start, make sure to talk to your doctor about what type of workouts can help and not worsen your condition.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
Medline Plus. Benefits of Exercise. https://medlineplus.gov/benefitsofexercise.html
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