Many negative ideas flow through people's heads when they think about exercising.
It's boring.
I don't like running or the elliptical or (insert type of exercise here).
I don't like to sweat.
I don't want people looking at me while I workout.
You name it, people think it.
And when they have these negative attitudes about getting fit, it's just one more excuse not to do it.
But there are numerous benefits to regular exercise.
1.
To maintain a healthy weight Simply watching what you eat isn't enough to keep your weight down.
You also have to add an exercise routine into the mix.
Exercising is the best way to keep your metabolism up, and to balance out calorie intake throughout the day.
So if you indulged on a piece of cake at the office birthday party, you don't have to feel guilty.
A 30 minute run on the treadmill will help burn some of those extra calories and leave you feeling less guilty.
2.
Healthy Heart Numerous studies have shown that a regular exercise routine will significantly lower your risk for heart disease and will help create a healthy cardiovascular system.
Simple cardio and aerobic activity a few times a week will also help lower blood pressure and improve circulation by easing oxygen flow to throughout your body.
3.
Boost Energy Levels/Make You Feel Good When you hear people say they enjoy working out because it makes them feel good, chances are, they aren't lying.
Exercise, whether it's running, or swimming, or having a go at the elliptical for 45 minutes, releases endorphins, a natural occurring chemical in the brain that alters your mood and causes a general sense of pleasure and well-being.
The term "Runners High" is believed to be caused by a large release of endorphins that make runners feel euphoric and happy.
In other words, exercise literally makes you feel good.
4.
Keep stress low The same way endorphins can make you feel good both during and after exercise, they can also help to reduce high levels of stress.
Regular exercise also increases self-confidence and the meditative motion of either running, or swimming laps, is enough to help take your mind off the daily grind of work or family life.
In essence, exercise can be like a mini-vacation from everyday stresses.
5.
Better Sex Yes, it's true.
Regular exercise can lead to better sex.
How, you ask? Well, because building strong muscles and increasing cardio activity won't just make you look good, it will also improve your flexibility and endurance in the bedroom.
And if you're looking for better orgasms, building muscle in your abdominal and pelvic areas are sure to help.
6.
Regulate appetite Even though it may seem like exercise increases your appetite because you're ready to eat as soon as you're done working out, it doesn't necessarily cause you to eat more.
In fact, recent studies have shown that because post-workout eating is more satisfying, it causes you to eat less.
Exercising also releases certain hormones that satiate your appetite, thus encouraging a lower calorie intake.
In other words, regular workout regimens have a way of regulating your appetite, which helps you maintain a healthy weight.
7.
Better complexion Regular exercise not only nourishes and tones your muscles, but it also promotes healthy skin by increasing blood flow and oxygen while drawing toxins out of your body, specifically in your skin.
And don't be afraid to sweat.
While sweat is rumored to be a cause of unsightly breakouts, it is in fact a way to cleanse your pores and reduce the chances of blemishes by washing out impurities.
It's boring.
I don't like running or the elliptical or (insert type of exercise here).
I don't like to sweat.
I don't want people looking at me while I workout.
You name it, people think it.
And when they have these negative attitudes about getting fit, it's just one more excuse not to do it.
But there are numerous benefits to regular exercise.
1.
To maintain a healthy weight Simply watching what you eat isn't enough to keep your weight down.
You also have to add an exercise routine into the mix.
Exercising is the best way to keep your metabolism up, and to balance out calorie intake throughout the day.
So if you indulged on a piece of cake at the office birthday party, you don't have to feel guilty.
A 30 minute run on the treadmill will help burn some of those extra calories and leave you feeling less guilty.
2.
Healthy Heart Numerous studies have shown that a regular exercise routine will significantly lower your risk for heart disease and will help create a healthy cardiovascular system.
Simple cardio and aerobic activity a few times a week will also help lower blood pressure and improve circulation by easing oxygen flow to throughout your body.
3.
Boost Energy Levels/Make You Feel Good When you hear people say they enjoy working out because it makes them feel good, chances are, they aren't lying.
Exercise, whether it's running, or swimming, or having a go at the elliptical for 45 minutes, releases endorphins, a natural occurring chemical in the brain that alters your mood and causes a general sense of pleasure and well-being.
The term "Runners High" is believed to be caused by a large release of endorphins that make runners feel euphoric and happy.
In other words, exercise literally makes you feel good.
4.
Keep stress low The same way endorphins can make you feel good both during and after exercise, they can also help to reduce high levels of stress.
Regular exercise also increases self-confidence and the meditative motion of either running, or swimming laps, is enough to help take your mind off the daily grind of work or family life.
In essence, exercise can be like a mini-vacation from everyday stresses.
5.
Better Sex Yes, it's true.
Regular exercise can lead to better sex.
How, you ask? Well, because building strong muscles and increasing cardio activity won't just make you look good, it will also improve your flexibility and endurance in the bedroom.
And if you're looking for better orgasms, building muscle in your abdominal and pelvic areas are sure to help.
6.
Regulate appetite Even though it may seem like exercise increases your appetite because you're ready to eat as soon as you're done working out, it doesn't necessarily cause you to eat more.
In fact, recent studies have shown that because post-workout eating is more satisfying, it causes you to eat less.
Exercising also releases certain hormones that satiate your appetite, thus encouraging a lower calorie intake.
In other words, regular workout regimens have a way of regulating your appetite, which helps you maintain a healthy weight.
7.
Better complexion Regular exercise not only nourishes and tones your muscles, but it also promotes healthy skin by increasing blood flow and oxygen while drawing toxins out of your body, specifically in your skin.
And don't be afraid to sweat.
While sweat is rumored to be a cause of unsightly breakouts, it is in fact a way to cleanse your pores and reduce the chances of blemishes by washing out impurities.