25 Reasons to Get Moving and Get Fit οΏΌ
Fitness and working out is not a hobby, itβs a lifestyle. While going to the gym may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you have free time, the benefits are infinite. That being said, itβs still not always easy to get up and get yourself out there. But what you put in is what you get out. So for those days when you feel like you need a bit more motivation, here are 25 reasons to get you off the couch and moving again:
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1. To feel good
Not just physically, but mentally as well. Scientifically proven, physical exercise produces endorphins, our bodyβs βhappyβ chemical.
οΏΌ2. Boost self-esteem
Aside from the physical benefits of a stronger, leaner physique, physical exercise will improve your overall confidence. You know that glow you see on people as they leave the gym? Yeah, you want that.
3. Increase your metabolism
As we get older, our metabolic rate slows down, making it harder to digest food, especially the unhealthy ones. Luckily, exercise increases our metabolism. Strength training allows your body to burn calories much more efficiently.
4. Increase overall strength
Weβre talking about the everyday things outside of the gym, such as lifting a box or walking up a couple flight of stairs. Getting in shape will help you be more equipped to handle daily activities.
5. Increase flexibility
Being flexible can only benefit you by increasing your range of motion and strength. It also can decrease stiffness in joints all over.
6. Lower risk of injury
The stronger you are, the more capable your bones and joints are to handle external pressures. In other words, getting fit will reduce your chances of getting hurt.
7. Say no to back pain
The older you get, the more your body endures. Have you ever heard an older adult complain about their back? The solution: strength train, build muscle, and build endurance. Not only will this improve your posture, but also decreases your vulnerability to back pain.
8. ITβS FUN
But really, put on your favorite playlist, and get to it. Whether itβs going to the gym, yoga, going on a hike, CrossFit, Pilatesβwhatever you choose, make it an activity you enjoy. Switch things up, and try something new. You never know what you might enjoy if you donβt give it a try!
9. Reduce levels of anxiety and depression
Mental illness is an extremely serious matter, and anyone who suffers from it (or knows someone who does) can attest to that. Fun fact: the antidepressant effect of physical exercise is comparable to those of actual antidepressants. Crazy right? It really works.
10. Control your weight
Definitely not the forefront of why you should exercise, but definitely a huge plus. Plus, the benefits of looking good make you feel good and exude more confidence. Win-win!
11. Stronger immune system.
Donβt believe us? Ask any doctor. No drug or supplement will ever match the effect physical exercise has on your immune system. Plus, itβs au naturale.
12. Reduce fat
Again, not at the forefront, but still extremely important. While many think cardio is the way to go to burn fat, strength training actually allows you to burn more calories throughout the day. Either way, youβre winning.
13. Lower risk of heart disease
While you may not feel it directly, physical exercise is scientifically proven to benefit the heart and circulation. Get that blood flowing as you strengthen your heart.
14. Better sex drive
Canβt forget about our other needs, too. The endorphins released when you exercise has been proven to increase sexual arousal in females. In addition, the endorphins also reduce the stress that greatly inhibits your sex drive.
15. Get smarter
Physical exercise helps improve your focus, meaning better concentration and clarity to retain information. The blood flow and circulation also helps bring adequate amounts of oxygen to the brain.
16. Cancer prevention
Beyond exercise playing a major role in cancer treatment and therapy, it plays just as strong of a role in cancer prevention.
17. Better balance and coordination
It is no surprise that exercise improves your stability. Termed βkinesthetic awareness,β strengthening your balance also helps you have a better handle on where you are spatially. Say goodbye to clumsiness!
18. Gastrointestinal benefits
Have you ever noticed that after a run, things flow a lot more easily? Say goodbye to constipation.
19. Stronger bones
Physical exercise strengthens your bones the organic way. Fact: strength training helps prevent osteoporosis.
20. Better sleep
Who doesnβt enjoy a good nightβs sleep? Physical activity is proven to help you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.
21. Lower risk of Alzheimerβs
Unfortunately, your risk of Alzheimerβs disease increases with age. Physical exercise has been proven to help prevent the onset of this disease, through strengthening your brain.
22. Get energy
Ever feel like you can take over the world as you leave your gym workout? Itβs that exercise βglow.β Forget caffeine or energy drinks, just go sweat it out.
23. Lower your cholesterol
As learned in science class, there are good cholesterol levels (HDL) and bad ones (LDL). Luckily for us, physical activity lowers the bad and increases the good.
24. Prevent diabetes
Exercise increases your insulin sensitivity, meaning your bodyβs ability to take up glucose. As a result, this helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
25. BE THE BEST YOU
Reach your full potential by being in the best physical, mental, and spiritual state possible. If youβre not being challenged, you wonβt be changed. And progress equals happiness. So itβs time to get up and get moving!
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Written by Shirley Ju
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