Feel The Burn!
Everyone always puts "exercise more" at the top of their New Year's resolutions, but few people end up doing it. Why? Because gym class has made us view exercise as a slog that's only good for burning calories. If you're wondering about some of the other benefits of exercise, keep reading to find out.
1. Better Sleep
If you're struggling to fall asleep at night, exercise might be able to help you with that. There are a variety of ways exercise can improve your sleep by releasing melatonin and reducing wakefulness among others. Exercise a few hours before bed can help you fall into a deep, restful sleep.
2. Improved Focus
Exercise isn't just a workout for your body, it's a workout for your brain! Regular exercise promotes the creation of new brain cells and releases neurotransmitters. If you're looking to cut down on screentime, exercise can help build mental fortitude.
3. Increased Creativity
One of the worst thing about being a creative—whether you write, draw, or make music—is the feeling of hitting a creative wall. Exercise can't get your muse back, but it can help spark ideas. Even a 10-minute walk can get those creative juices flowing.
4. Increased Digestion
There's no shame in suffering from issues from constipation and gas, and exercise can reduce your tummy troubles. Exercise improves your circulation throughout your body, including your digestive tract. This, in turn, activates the muscles that move food and waste throughout your body.
5. Reduce Migraines
We understand that the last thing migraine sufferers want to do when their skull is throbbing is to hit the gym. However, regular exercise can cut down on the frequency and severity of migraines. Bear in mind that all migraine experiences are different, and what could be relief for some may be triggering for others.
6. Healthy Skin
Exercise gives you that youthful glow no retinol cream will be able to replicate. Not only will you have a healthful flush after your workout, but sweat actually helps to clear pores and prevent breakouts. Exercise also stimulates collagen production, which is what keeps your skin elastic.
7. Improved Intimacy
While some people may get their primary exercise in the bedroom, physical activity outside of it can improve intimacy with your partner. Not only can exercise improve your self-confidence, making you irresistible to your partner, exercise can also improve your downstairs health and stamina.
8. Social Benefits
Exercise doesn't have to be done alone, and if you're feeling lonely, one of the best ways to make new friends is to join an exercise club. Whether it's a neighborhood run club, water aerobics, or a high-intensity bungee workout, you're sure to meet like-minded people.
9. Prevent Cognitive Decline
Exercise can keep your brain sharp in a big way. If you're worried about the possibility of Dementia or Alzheimer's as you age, exercise can help lower your chances. A study from Johns Hopkins shows that an hour of physical activity a week reduces the risk of dementia by 60%!
10. Bone Density
If you have brittle bones, exercise can help build bone density. Exercise improves bone density by strengthening your bones and encouraging your cells to build more bone tissue. Weight and strength-training are especially helpful for this.
Now that we've discussed some of the benefits of exercise, let's look at a few ways you can make movement enjoyable.
1. Have A Special Outfit
You don't need fancy clothes to exercise—so long as you have clothing that's comfy and moisture-wicking in your closet, you should be fine, but a fun outfit never hurt anyone. Maybe it's a pair of shoes in your favorite color or a special windbreaker you only wear on a run. Literally dressing up your exercise can make it more encouraging.
2. Pump Up The Jam
Pop those earbuds in and let the outside world fade away. Like with exercise clothes, reserving a special playlist/podcast/audiobook for workout time can make exercise more enticing. Once you're hooked, you'll be heading to the gym just to know how that thriller ends.
3. Go With A Friend
Like we said, exercise doesn't have to be a solo event. Especially if you've never been a gym regular and/or have low self-confidence, a friendly face by your side can make all the difference. You can plan brunch in between reps.
4. Join A Club
What's better than one workout buddy? A bunch of them! Not only will joining an exercise club help you make new friends, but you can also attend extra events such as socials and holiday parties—no sweating required!
5. Treat Yourself
Most of us are reward-motivated, and exercise is no exception. Taking the first step on your exercise journey takes guts, and sticking with it is a huge commitment. If it helps you stay on track, reward yourself with a little treat after your workout.
6. Set Goals
Not all rewards have to be little treats. For those of us who are more ambitious and forward-focused, setting up goals can help keep you on track. It feels so good to achieve a goal, but it feels even better to surpass it.
7. Be Childish
Exercise should be about finding joy in movement, and what better way to do that than getting in touch with your inner child? Just because you're a grown-up with a mortgage doesn't mean you aren't allowed to hula-hoop, jump rope, or play Frisbee. Go on, dance in front of your mirror, use that hairbrush microphone.
Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash
8. Be Adventurous
One of the beautiful things about exercise is that there are limitless ways to do it. Try Zumba or Barre or rollerblading or trampolining or trapeze. Try a new activity every week if you want!
9. Enjoy Nature
If you're more of a "long walk with my headphones in" person, get off the treadmill and into the world! Exploring a new area will entice you to go out more, regardless of season. You can even make up a scavenger hunt of things to see on your walk.
10. Fall In Love With Your Body
Ultimately, the goal of exercise isn't to lose weight or have rock-hard abs. It's about understanding your body, its capabilities and limits. You only get one body in this world, it should be one that feels like a home.
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