Ten Reasons to Exercise That Don’t Revolve Around How You Look

The benefits of exercise extend far beyond physical appearance. While it’s fun to talk about getting more defined arms or a beach ready six pack, there are bigger reasons to exercise.

Lots of them in fact.

Here’s my list of 10 reasons you should exercise that don’t revolve around how you look

1. Exercise gives you more energy after work. ⚡ Building your heart, lungs and muscles with exercise allows you to get through everyday activities with less effort. So, after an 8-hour shift, you’re more likely to have energy left for dinner, hobbies, or time with family. Rather than collapsing on the couch.

2. Exercising regularly makes you happier. 🙂 Exercise is a proven antidepressant. Whether you enjoy cycling, running, lifting weights, or something in between. It doesn’t matter. They all release endorphins (natural pain relievers & mood boosters) that improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Read more here.

3. You can eat MORE of what you like. 🍕 Exercise doesn’t mean “eat whatever you want.” But moving more and building muscle does increase your total daily energy needs. That means more flexibility; dessert on date night, enjoying vacation food without guilt, or simply not feeling restricted all the time.

4. You get sick less often. 🤧 Look… nobody likes to be sick. Exercise strengthens the power of your immune system by increasing circulation (moving immune cells throughout your body), decreasing inflammation, and regulating your hormones.

   Translation: Exercise means fewer sick days and faster recovery when you do get sick.

5. Exercise increases your productivity. 🧠 Whether you’re at home or at work, a boost in productivity is always nice. People who are fit can be more productive because they have fewer sick days, have more energy, and can concentrate better. This is why many companies now encourage their employees to take an exercise break. One hour away from your desk often comes back as higher-quality work for the rest of the day.

6. You can be more independent. 🧳 Whether your goal is to be able to put your suitcase in the overhead compartment on an airplane or just to be able to get off the couch on your own, strength matters. Exercise gives you the ability to live on your own terms for longer.

7. Exercise is a form of stress coping. 🧘‍♂️ We all stress, we all have a way to cope with our stress (even you, admit it). Since you’re going to stress, at least find a healthy way to cope with it. Exercise releases endorphins, decreases cortisol (AKA the stress hormone), and gives you a mental break from what you have been thinking about. Instead of defaulting to alcohol, food, or other habits that backfire long-term, movement is a coping tool that actually pays you back.

8. Exercise helps you sleep. 😴 Regular exercise helps your body wind down at night by reducing stress, regulating your internal clock, and creating a natural need for deeper sleep. Move your body during the day, and you’re far more likely to fall asleep faster, sleep better, and wake up feeling actually rested.

9. Exercise reduces chronic pain.🦵I’m not saying exercise can turn back time… but it can sometimes turn back time. For many of the reasons above, light exercise tends to reduce some aches and pains that people have had for a long time.

10. Exercise gives you the capability to be a better parent. ❤️ This one matters. Ask yourself: Would you rather be the parent who comes home in a decent mood, plays on the floor, runs at the playground, and has patience? Or the one who’s always exhausted, foggy, and irritable? Taking care of your body isn’t selfish. It’s one of the most giving things you can do for the people who rely on you. Read that again.

Most of these benefits overlap, and that’s the point.
When people exercise consistently, a lot of things start falling into place.

Energy improves. Mood stabilizes. Stress becomes manageable. Life feels easier.

“Movement is medicine” isn’t a catchy phrase. It’s reality.
Exercise doesn’t just give you cool shoulders and a nice butt… it gives you a better life.

Miss last weeks post? Check it out here.

 The New Food Pyramid 

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