We all know we feel marvellous after that 10k run or a few lengths of the pool, but there are other benefits to exercise too. Here are seven reasons why you should get active…
1. Exercise Helps Control Weight
The most obvious and perhaps the biggest reason why we exercise are either to control our weight or to shed some of those extra pounds. The more intense the exercise type, the more calories you will burn. Including exercise in your daily schedule doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank for gym membership or invest in a tonne of equipment, you can also begin to incorporate work-outs in your daily activities, walk those last few bus stops to work, get out and about for your lunch break or set up a walking schedule with your friends.
2. It helps prevent health conditions and diseases
The health benefits to exercise are endless. Regular exercise can help with blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance, improve flexibility and increase muscle strength. The big plusses to exercising are the reduction of risk of early death (always a good one) and the risk of depression or anxiety. Really, a walk every day won’t be doing you that much harm!
3. It can be fun… Honestly!
If you’re not the biggest fan of walking and absolutely despise the gym, there are other ways to get fit. Take up swimming, a good all rounder form of exercise, dance classes like Zumba are always very popular or even horse-riding. Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hate every minute of it, if you are committing to it, you should try to enjoy it!
4. The Mood Changer
Scientists have proven there are direct links between change in mood and exercise. Endorphins, released into the body during exercise, trigger positive feelings in the body. On top of that, exercise will do wonders for your self-esteem if you work towards the shape you are happy with. Exercise also helps reduce stress, which can lead to other health complications.
5. Increases Energy
Forget those days when the alarm goes off and you feel like crying into your pillow or quitting your job, constant exercise will change all that. Regular work-outs will boost your energy so even though it may add time to your day, you will certainly feel the better of it. Even beginning the day with exercising can help, it will give you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day and will allow you to relax in the evening.
6. Improves Sex Life
Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal in women and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction. It’s a win win really and on top of that, all that working out will leave you feeling energized and will do wonders for your self-esteem.
7. Better Sleep Patterns
You’ve just finished a six mile hike and you can hear your mother’s little voice in the back of your head “you’ll sleep tonight!” Regular physical activity will lead to you falling asleep quicker and having a better sleep. Fitness instructors often advise not to exercise too late in the evening however, as this can result in higher energy levels and you will find it difficult to drift off.
Bottom line? Get those trainers on; it’s going to do you the world of good.
If you fancy getting the trainers on and joining us for this year’s Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon – we’re running for the Irish Cancer Society! We’d love to have you as part of The Pink Brigade too… find out all you need to know here.
