You know you should exercise more. Everyone tells you that, right? Exercise does way more for you than just helping you fit into your skinny jeans. It has significant effects on both your physical and mental health. Here are 10 of the most surprising benefits of exercise that will motivate you to get up and get moving. Exercise reduces your risk of disease, strengthens your muscles and bones, improves your mood, boosts your energy levels, helps you sleep better at night, enhances your brain function, adds years to your life, lowers your stress and anxiety, makes you happier, and allows you to enjoy life more. The evidence is clear - exercise really matters for your health and well-being. So what are you waiting for? Lace up those sneakers and just do it.
Exercise Improves Your Mood :
Exercise is nature's mood booster. When you work out, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Here are some of the ways exercise can help improve your mood:Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Even taking a 30 minute walk can help clear your mind and release pent up tension. The release of endorphins during exercise acts as a natural stress buster. Exercise enhances self-confidence. Meeting exercise goals, even small ones, can boost your self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself. Achieving milestones and improving your strength or endurance over time builds a sense of competence and self-confidence.
Exercise improves sleep. Exercise leads to better sleep at night which in turn improves your mood during the day. Even light activity like yoga or walking can help you sleep more soundly and feel more rested. Lack of sleep is linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise increases energy levels. While exercise requires energy, it also boosts your energy levels. Always remember when you do start exercise keep doing it daily, This helps combat fatigue and makes you feel more energized.
Exercise may ease symptoms of depression. Exercise is a natural antidepressant. Studies show that exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication for some people. It releases feel-good hormones and helps boost the growth of new neural connections in the brain that can help ease symptoms of depression. So if you're feeling down, go for a walk or jog - it really will make you feel better!
Exercise Combats Health Conditions and Diseases :
Exercise lowers your risk of heart disease. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart muscle, improves your circulation, and helps lower blood pressure. This decreases your risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease. Exercise helps control blood sugar levels and may prevent type 2 diabetes. Working out regularly makes your cells more sensitive to insulin and helps your body use glucose for energy. This can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.
Exercise strengthens your lungs and respiratory system. Aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, and biking increases your stamina and endurance, and may even help prevent respiratory diseases like COPD. Exercise eases symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that can help improve your mood and act as natural antidepressants. Exercise also helps reduce stress and tension.
Exercise boosts your energy levels. While it may seem counterintuitive, physical activity provides an energy boost by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. Exercise strengthens your muscles and bones. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and strength training help build stronger bones and muscles, improving your balance, coordination, and mobility. This also helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Exercise improves your sleep but avoid exercising close to bedtime, as it may have the opposite effect.
Exercise enhances your brain function and may prevent cognitive decline. Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, promotes the growth of new neural connections, and may help prevent age-related mental decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Exercise Helps You Lose Weight
Burn More CaloriesExercise requires energy, and the more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. For example, a 125-pound person can burn around 500 calories per hour walking at a moderate pace, but over 700 calories per hour jogging at a steady clip. High-intensity interval or strength training can boost your metabolism for hours after exercising. The more you exercise, the more calories you'll burn.
Build Muscle
Muscle is metabolically active tissue, meaning it requires calories to sustain itself. Burning calories is a good way to get strength or resistance training with weights is key to building muscle. Aim for 2-3 strength training sessions per week, with rest days in between for the best results. Focus on compound exercises like squats, lunges, pushups, rows, and shoulder presses which work multiple muscle groups at once.
Improve Your Heart Health
Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. A strong, efficient heart can pump more blood with less effort. Exercise also lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, biking, and swimming are all great for your heart.
Exercise provides an energizing boost in several ways:
Increased blood flowWhen you exercise, your heart pumps faster and your blood circulates more quickly throughout your body, delivering oxygen to your cells. This increased blood flow makes you feel more alert and focused. Even taking a quick walk can provide an energy boost that lasts for hours.
Release of endorphins
Physical activity also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins are responsible for the "runner's high" and can elevate your mood and act as natural energizers. Regular exercise helps maintain steady endorphin levels so you feel good all day long.
Improved sleep
Exercise is a great way to sleep better at night. When you work out during the day, your body temperature rises. As your body cools down at night, it signals your body that it's time to sleep. Exercise also helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week to enjoy the energizing benefits of improved sleep.
Stress relief
Exercise is a proven way to relieve tension and stress. When you work out, your body releases chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that improve your mood and act as natural stress relievers. Reduced stress levels help you feel more energized and motivated. Even light activity like yoga or walking can help you unwind so you feel recharged.
Whether it's a strenuous workout or light activity, exercise provides mental and physical benefits that boost your energy and vitality. Make it a habit to move your body every day and you'll enjoy the energizing rewards that come with an active lifestyle.
Exercise Helps You Sleep Better :
Getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for your health, mood, and productivity. Here are a few reasons why:
Exercise relieves stress and anxiety.
Exercise is a great outlet for your restless energy and tension. A tough workout can help clear your mind and release feel-good hormones that boost your mood and act as natural stress relievers. You'll feel more relaxed and less worried at night, making it easier to fall asleep.
Exercise makes you tired.
Exercise causes your body's energy expenditure and body temperature to rise during the day, then fall at night which helps trigger sleepiness. Even light activity like a 30-minute walk can help you feel pleasantly worn out by bedtime.
Exercise stabilizes your circadian rhythm.
Exercise helps set your body's internal clock and optimize your circadian rhythm. Getting exposure to natural light during the day and exercising at the same time every day helps establish a steady sleep-wake cycle. A consistent sleep schedule means you'll feel drowsy at the same time every night, making it easier to fall asleep.
Exercise may reduce insomnia.
For some people, exercise can help prevent or reduce chronic insomnia. The energy expenditure from exercise, exposure to bright light during the day, stress relief, and body temperature changes can have a sedative effect at night and promote deeper, more restorative sleep. If you struggle with insomnia, try exercising daily, especially in the morning.
In summary, exercise has significant benefits for sleep through stress reduction, increasing fatigue, setting your circadian rhythm, and possibly improving insomnia. Try to exercise most days of the week for the best sleep at night. Even light activity a few times a week can help you rest easier and sleep more soundly.
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