We all need regular physical exercise, in order to live a long and healthy, productive life. But unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation. I know I’ve struggled with this myself from time to time, and sometimes it’s just tough to stick to the plan and keep that commitment to yourself. Sometimes it’s easy to forget just why you are doing this in the first place….
Below, you’ll find seven good reasons why you should start exercising now, and stick to it!*
1. Exercise contributes to fat loss
It is is now common knowledge that it has been well proven from scientific research all over the world that physical exercise helps maintain weight loss. It’s a simple equation: tf you burn more calories than you consume, you’ll lose weight. When you exercise, you burn more calories than when you don’t. It’s really simple – the more you exercise, the more weight or fat you’ll lose. (Not only that, but regular exercise has been proven to increase your metabolism, which means you are also burning more fat when at rest!)
2. Prevent disease
The chances of developing several various diseases has been proven to decrease in those who get regular exercise. These diseases include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke, among others.
Around 4 out of 5 deaths caused by heart disease and cancer, are linked to factors that include stress and lack of exercise. We all know that diabetes increases the chance for heart attacks and strokes, and diabetes incidence is MUCH higher in those who get little to no exercise.
3. Heal disease
Many severe and minor diseases can be improved or even healed through regular exercise. These even include the diseases listed above. By following a regular plan, you can also decrease HDL cholesterol levels, decrease triglyceride levels, and decrease your blood pressure as well.
Exercising on a regular basis will also reduce the risk of prostate cancer for men, breast and uterine cancer for women, and much more. All of this is scientifically proven, which is why you should start exercising today.
4. Enhance your state of mind
Everyone knows from the many scientific studies that regular exercising will lead to an increased release of endorphins in the body. These chemicals help fight depression and make you feel happy. The body releases these endorphins only 12 minutes into a workout, so it doesn’t take long for you to reap this benefit of exercise.
There is another chemical known as serotonin that is increased during and after a workout. The increased levels of serotonin in the central nervous system are associated with feelings of well being and decreased mental depression. This chemical can even help you sleep better at night.
5. Enhance your overall wellness
When you are in great shape and well fit, you’ll have more energy and you’ll notice that your overall mood is improved. You will have experienced that you can stretch beyond your own limits and you know that you can do more than you thought possible, which gives you a sense of confidence and achievement. Beyond that, regular exercise helps to boost the immune system, meaning that you’ll stay healthier, more of the time.
6. Persistence and energy
Exercising regularly will give you more energy, which can help you be more productive at home and at work. Exercising can help give your new goals a sense of purpose and give you something to focus on and aim for. This can help you increase your persistence and prevent you from going off track while you aim for your goal.
7. Social capabilities
By working out on a regular basis you can boost your self esteem. This can help you look better feel more confident in your body and your abilities. Many forms of exercise can also help you to become more socially active and meet new people, which will prevent you from feeling isolated and unsupported. Exercise can even impact your libido and sex-life, and can help you to improve your marriage.
With all of these tips and reasons to exercise, you shouldn’t hesitate to get out there and get moving! You can exercise at home or go out and join a gym. There are many different ways that you can exercise — all you have to do is select a few that you like or you think you’d like to try, and see what works best for you (for more tips on this, see other posts on this blog, or visit
http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.)
Take a little bit of time out of your day and start exercising – you’ll feel better than ever and your body (and family) will thank you.
* Please note: All suggestions and articles on this blog are the opinions of the author or other contributors, and have not been evaluated for safety in your particular situation. One should consult with one’s personal fitness coach or healthcare practitioner before beginning any exercise program, especially if your fitness level is currently low.
The last one is for kids, but I’m not sure why everyone always emphasizes exercise specifically for kids — you need it JUST as much, as an adult. (And you’re likely to get much less in your daily routine.) Try integrating some of the ideas for kids into your own routine — or even better — do some of them together!
My new favorite workout routine is Jillian Michaels’ “Yoga Meltdown” video. As you will learn, some of my favorite ways to exercise are using exercise videos — they’re easy to find, inexpensive, and extremely convenient — just grab one, pop it into your DVD player, clear a space, and you’ve got an instant at-home gym! (Equipment may or may not be required, based on the video you choose, but I love the ones where nothing is needed but perhaps an exercise mat or folded blanket.)
