Reasons to make exercise part of your healthy lifestyle!

The number on the weighing scales isn’t the only reason to exercise. If your only goal is to lose weight, you might not stick with your workout regimen. Regular exercise is a big part of a healthy lifestyle and you should commit to it for a longer life. Here are a few more reasons to get moving. 

1. Exercise provides a natural high.

When you exercise, feel-good chemicals called endorphins circulate in your body. These endorphins spark a positive, euphoric feeling. Brilliant!!

2. You’ll have better sex if you work out.

Working out makes you feel more fit, which makes you feel better about yourself, which makes you feel sexier. Resistance training also helps boost testosterone and this important hormone (present in both males and females) increases your energy levels, mood, and your sex drive. Be sure to work large muscle groups several days a week (squats, lunges, push-ups, bicep curls, etc.)

3. Physical activity reduces PMS symptoms.

It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but getting up and moving will help with your bad moods, aches, and pains, and in some trials, even depression associated with PMS.

4. Exercise improves cognitive function and memory.

Doctors have found that physically fit children perform better on school tests than overweight children, though more research needs to be done on the topic. Even moderate walking helps boost cognitive functions like reasoning, memory, attention span, and the expansion of information and knowledge. Keep your neurons in shape as well as your body!

5. Exercise is a natural antidepressant.

Just going for a moderate walk for 30 minutes will help you battle the blues. Studies in Germany support the idea that being physically active should be a part of any depression treatment.

6. Being fit will boost your confidence.

When you exercise you feel better, you look better, you get stronger, you feel a sense of accomplishment, and that rush of endorphins has a ripple effect on everything you do. When you feel better, you feel empowered and more confident. Win-win!

7. Exercising regularly will make you feel more energetic.

Guess what can break the vicious cycle of exhaustion? Exercise! Stop complaining there isn’t enough time etc, start moving, and you’ll immediately begin to feel that energy bump and get through the day with less fatigue.

8. An exercise regimen will help you sleep better.

You’ll sleep better when you’ve had a good workout, and physical activity helps keep your circadian rhythm (sleep cycle) on track. Try to plan your workout during the day and avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

9. Exercise relieves stress.

Exercising is one of the fastest ways to clear stress hormones out of your system. It will help you relax and calm down.
10. It will help you tap into your creativity. Feeling stuck? There’s a reason Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have been known to hold “walking” meetings. Studies show that creative thinking improves while a person is walking, either indoors or outdoors. Bring your phone and record ideas, without breaking your stride.

11. Your heart will thank you.

Did you know that, worldwide, 8.6 million people die from heart disease each year? According to the British Heart Foundation, exercise helps dramatically reduce heart-related diseases, strengthens your heart muscles, and can help decrease the risk of having a heart attack.

12. You’ll look and feel younger.

The Fountain of Youth isn’t some magical face cream; it’s exercise! When we exercise we infuse our bodies with better health, boost energy levels, feel better, and look better. We can’t stop the clock but we can slow it down.

13. Strengthens muscles and bones.

We reach our peak bone and muscle mass by the time we’re 30, and by our 40s we begin to lose it. With proper nutrition and regular exercise, specifically resistance training (lifting weights and/or body resistance training several days a week), we can slow and even reverse this process. Keeping your bones and muscles strong also helps you stay more aerobically fit, leaner, and decreases your chances of osteoporosis.

14. You’ll feel happier!

Better cardiovascular health? YES! Having stronger muscles and bones? YES! You’ll have more energy and confidence? YES! Better sex? YES! These are just a few of the important reasons to exercise, but feeling happier is one of my favourites. And all you have to do is get off of the sofa and start moving. No more excuses. Now get up and get to it!