We often get started with an exercise routine because we want to lose weight. Many of us may have a certain weight we want to reach or have some ideal in mind in terms of physique. But there are so many other benefits to exercising, which is what I am discussing in today’s episode. Exercise can have an incredible impact on our overall health and well-being, in addition to helping us look our best. So, let’s explore five compelling reasons why exercise is so much more than just a means to change our appearance:
- Boosts mental health.
- Enhances our cognitive function.
- Increases energy levels.
- Promotes better sleep.
- Fountain of youth.
I have been dieting and exercising for 31 years. I started due to an unhealthy obsession with being skinny in hopes of bringing years of bullying at school to an end. I was just 14 years old when I started. Being that this was in the mid-90s, low-fat diets and cardio workouts were all the rage at that time. So, that is what I started with. I lost 40 pounds in 4 months eating 7 grams of fat (or less) every day and spending 45 minutes on my mom’s ancient exercise bike after school every day.
Through my high school years, I tried various other forms of exercise. I was fortunate in my high school to have an amazing PE teacher that taught aerobics and I got to be in her class for two years. After high school, I moved on to Tae Bo and then eventually ventured into weightlifting when I was about 21. With the exception of my pregnancies and first years of each of my kids’ lives, I have remained consistent with exercise.
While my motivation was weight loss and achieving a certain ideal for the vast majority of my decades of fitness, I have found numerous benefits beyond this to exercising. In fact, these other benefits are really the things that have helped keep me working out and what will keep me working out for decades more. See, the motivation to work out is very short-lived. If you don’t find something beyond aesthetics to keep you going, you may not stick with it very long. So, let’s get into these other benefits of exercise.
1. Boosts Mental Health: Exercise isn’t just for the body; it’s a powerful tool for the mind. Research consistently shows that physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. When we exercise, our brains release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, leaving us feeling happier and more relaxed. That line from Legally Blond always comes to mind here: exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t go around killing their husbands. They just don’t.
2. Enhances Cognitive Function: Did you know that exercise is like a superfood for your brain? Regular physical activity has been linked to improved memory, focus, and overall cognitive function. It promotes the growth of new brain cells and strengthens neural connections, which can help stave off age-related cognitive decline.
3. Increases Energy Levels: It might seem counterintuitive, but expending energy through exercise actually boosts our energy levels in the long run. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, enhances circulation, and increases oxygen flow to tissues – all of which contribute to feeling more energized and alert throughout the day.
4. Promotes Better Sleep: Struggling with sleepless nights? Exercise might just be the solution you need. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise during the day has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. It helps regulate our internal body clock, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, and promotes relaxation, making it easier to drift off into a restful slumber.
5. Fountain of youth: you may have heard people refer to exercise as the fountain of youth and that is because it is. Research has shown that exercise slows down the aging process in the body. It also helps prevent numerous chronic diseases and can be helpful in managing and even reversing several chronic diseases. It helps your body in numerous ways, such as it helps you maintain bone strength, muscular strength, and agility. So, by establishing and maintaining a solid exercise routine, you are literally investing in your health and longevity.
So, there you have it – five compelling reasons to embrace exercise beyond its effects on weight. Remember, prioritizing your health and well-being is about so much more than achieving a certain physique. By focusing on the holistic benefits of exercise, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our bodies and live more fulfilling lives. Remember, you are capable, you are worthy, and you are deserving of a healthy, vibrant life. Here’s to your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself—mind, body, and soul.
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