Exercise is defined as any activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness – but let’s be honest, sometimes walking up two flights of stairs feels like “exercise”. The more frequently that we are moving our bodies, the more benefits right? EXACTLY. Exercising regularly is not only going to help you achieve those wellness goals, but you are going to feel healthier and stronger, which is the ultimate goal! The benefits of a consistent exercises routine are endless but here are just a few of our favorites:
Endorphins :
Endorphins are those “feel good tingles” your body releases during and after a moderate to intense workout. They work with the chemicals in our body to not only boost our mood, but to improve your overall quality of life.
This endorphin release will also help raise the serotonin levels in your body leaving you feeling refreshed, recharged and excited for your next workout. Just like Elle Woods told us “Exercises gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy”.
Increased Energy Levels:
This may seem counterproductive as you are using energy during your workout, but have you ever finished a workout and felt like you could do the whole thing again? That’s those happy chemicals increasing your energy levels! Your energy levels are an indicator of your diet and current activity level – if you are feeling sluggish the best thing you can do is make some adjustments to your nutrition and move more frequently! Promote Healthier Skin. Is your skin looking dull? Are your eyes dark and sunken in? It’s time to move more frequently! Exercising regularly improves circulation and blood flow which is going to brighten up your skin leaving you with that healthy glow. Increased circulation is also going to boost your collagen production which is going to help with those anti-aging factors! Soon your friends and family will be asking you about your new skincare routine and you’ll be able to tell them “It’s from exercising!”
Helps with Sleep and Relaxation:
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed scientists have proven that 30 minutes of exercise daily can help reduce tension, increase and stabilize mood, and improve sleep. By exerting more energy daily, you will be able to release some of those unpleasant feelings that tend to keep us up at night and allow the mind to slow down and drift to sleep peacefully!
Strong Muscles and Bones:
You’ve heard the phrase “A body in motion, stays in motion”, well it’s 100% true! To keep your body strong and healthy, you have to keep moving! When we stop moving regularly, our bodies begin to break down and deteriorate. Our bones will begin to lack minerals, become brittle, and you will also begin to lose muscle mass and density. In the long run will make life more difficult as we open ourselves up for conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Promotes Brain Health and Memory:
Keeping your mind sharp is just as important as moving your body, but did you know that the two go hand and hand? Regular exercise increases oxygen to the brain which not only improves brain function and memory but also allows the brain to create new blood vessels. Think of this like regeneration! The more you move, the more happy chemicals your body releases, the more your brain can repair and continue to stay healthy! Studies show that the part of our brains that control thinking and memory have more volume in those who exercise regularly compared to those who do not.
Regardless if you are choosing to walk, dance, swim or lift weights remember that a body in motion stays in motion. By committing to a healthier lifestyle with just 30 minutes of activity a day, you can drastically improve your quality of life.