Many people associate working out with something you do when you want lose weight or build muscle. Which is true. However, even if you’re not looking to accomplish either of these there are still many other reasons to start working out. Exercise has a positive impact on so much more than weight loss or muscle gain, and these benefits are the reasons why we should all be working out.
Heart Health- Regular exercise is a great way to combat heart disease by lowering blood pressure and increasing HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) which is good cholesterol. Exercise also lowers unhealthy Triglycerides.2
Better Mood- When you workout you feel better and look better which leads to more self confidence. Exercising also releases chemicals in our brain that leave us feeling happier.
More Energy- By improving heart and lung health, our daily tasks become easier, allowing us to be more productive throughout the day.
Better Sleep- If you’re having trouble sleeping, regular exercise can help with that too.
Better Sex- More energy and improved physical appearance can certainly help in the bedroom, but physical activity actually increases arousal for women. Research also supports the idea that men that workout are less likely to develop erectile dysfunction than those who don’t.2
Anti-Aging- Many people may share the belief that those who stay active look younger than those who don’t, but recent scientific studies show that there is some truth to that idea. In a study conducted by the University of Mississippi and the University of California, researchers decided to look at the relationship between exercise and length of telomeres.1 Telomeres are the caps and the end of our DNA strands that protect our chromosomes like plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Much like shoelaces, without this protective coating our DNA strands can become frayed and damaged to the point that the cells no longer function properly.3 Shortening of Telomeres is a natural occurrence that directly impacts aging of cells and appearance of skin, and one that can be greatly increased by obesity, diabetes, smoking, and insomnia. However, after studying thousands of adults ranging from 24-80 years old researchers found that through a variety of exercise we can prolong the life (length) of our Telomeres. Keeping us looking younger, longer.1
The benefits of exercise are great and broad. We all need to engage in regular exercise. Even if you’re someone who is satisfied with your appearance the benefits of exercise are too great to ignore, and the consequences of not, are too severe.
1Reynolds, G. (2015, October 28). Does Exercise Slow the Aging Process. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/category/well/
2Staff. (2016, October 13). Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Activity. Retrieved November 11, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/
3What is a Telomere. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2016, from https://www.tasciences.com/
Photo Credits:
http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/15312
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telomere
This is very true. There has been many times where I had to encourage an individual to workout for the benefits rather than the physical features that will come about. Although, strength and a strong musculature may come; exercises and being physically fit is much more than that and it very beneficial to the body whether we like it or not.
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