Do you sometime struggle with your exercise consistency?
If so, connecting to these science-based benefits of exercise is essential.
“Getting in shape” means you have a baseline of (1) strength, (2) cardiovascular endurance, and (3) flexibility to lead a fuller, healthier life. If you are weak in one of these 3 areas, then you have a gap to fill my friend!
Next time you’re thinking of skipping exercise, or you’re contemplating getting in shape (see 5 Stages of Change Model), you can use this list as a motivational reference.
If you have any friends who are not exercising, definitely shoot them this article!
1. Reduces Cholesterol 1
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL)
2. Sleep Better 2
Exercise can help you sleep better. People who exercise tend to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
3. Improves Self Esteem 3
Regardless of your body appearance, regular fitness helps improve your self-esteem.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure 4
Exercise not only reduces high blood pressure, it helps prevent it.
5. Decreases Back Pain 5
By increasing muscle strength, endurance, and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back pain. Studies show that exercise is an effective treatment for recurrent low back pain.
6. Reduces Risk of Injury
If you have a strong, fit body, the chances of injury significantly decrease.
7. Prevents Certain Cancers 6
Some studies show that exercising regularly can help decrease colon cancer risk by 40% and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer as well.
8. Increases Metabolic Rate 7
Exercise not only will increase the total number of calories that you burn, but also can increase your resting metabolic rate, so you burn more calories while at rest.
9. Increases Range of Motion 8
An increase in flexibility can decreases stiffness in joints, and can decrease pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
10. Increases Functional Strength 9
From getting out of a chair, to lifting an object off the ground, our bodies are able to perform daily activities better.
11. Increases Insulin Sensitivity 10
Not only does getting in shape help increase insulin sensitivity (ability of muscles to uptake glucose), but helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
12. Improves Sex Drive 11
Exercise increases circulation, which helps prevent erectile dysfunction and impotence. Exercise can increase sex hormones like testosterone.
13. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease 12
Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves contractile function
14. Increases Longevity 13
People who exercise regularly tend to live longer.
15. Improves Balance and Coordination 14
Exercise can improve your stability and also what is called your “kinesthetic awareness”. You have a better feel of where you are spatially, so you don’t knock into things at the grocery store by mistake!
16. Reduces Anxiety and Depression 15
Exercise is a great mood elevator to help you manage stress and reduce anxiety. The antidepressant effect of regular physical exercise is comparable to the potent antidepressants like Sertraline.
17. Gastrointestinal Tract Benefits 16
Exercise is beneficial for persons suffering from cholelithiasis and constipation. Physical activity may reduce the risk of diverticulosis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and inflammatory bowel disease.
18. Weight Control 17
While some research shows exercise increases appetite while others shows exercises suppresses appetite, one thing is for sure: regular exercise helps control weight.
19. Improves Fat Utilization 18
Improves your body’s ability to use fat for energy during physical activity. Our bodies use glycogen and fat as stored energy to help sustain us.
20. Strengthens Immune System 19
Just about any doctor will tell you no pill or nutritional supplement has the power of near daily moderate activity in lowering the number of sick days people take.
21. Strengthens Your Bones 20
Lifting weights helps prevent osteoporosis, which is so important because a shocking 1 out of 2 women will be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
22. Improves Focus 21
Exercise helps improve your brain’s ability to concentrate, remember, visualize, plan ahead, and solve problems because a fitter body will supply a more rich amount of oxygen to your brain.
23. Reduces Aches & Pains
Improves your body’s ability to sit still and be comfortable for long periods of time. Keeping your muscles toned and strong and your joints flexible will prevent aches and pains from distracting you and keeping you from concentrating. If you have an office job, exercise is a necessity!
24. Lose the Hidden Fat 22
But just like the fat that leads to belly rolls and love handles, internal fat — called visceral fat — also can be prevented and eradicated with regular exercise.
25. Improves Energy Levels 23
Research suggests regular exercise can increase energy levels, even among people suffering from chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease. One study in 2006 showed the average effect of regular exercise was greater than the improvement from using stimulant medications, such as those that treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Forget the cup of coffee, or energy drink, and go for a brisk walk, or workout!
Did I not include any benefits of staying in shape that you think are important?
Are there any reasons that are particularly motivational for you?
Please leave a comment below and share your opinion.
