With modern life being so busy and fast-paced, it can be difficult to find the time to exercise. However, it’s important to stay active throughout the week. Whether it’s cardio, functional training or strength training, getting regular physical activity has a lot of benefits that can help you in both your professional and social life.
You can treat exercise casually or you can hire a professional for personal training. However you want to go about it, it can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being.
To encourage you to get your sweat on, we’ve listed a few benefits of getting regular exercise.
Reduces the chances of developing health issues
The calories that you burn while exercising will help you maintain a healthy weight. Keep in mind that this also depends on your calorie intake. Maintaining a healthy diet in tandem with an active lifestyle will reduce your risk of obesity.
Regular exercise also manages your blood pressure, insulin and blood cholesterol levels. This, in turn, reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Since physical activity improves circulation and increases blood flow, it can also reduce your risk of developing coronary artery disease, high cholesterol levels and other heart diseases.
Also, if you have a pre-existing condition, physical activity can help mitigate the symptoms of certain illnesses.
Promotes better mental health
Physical activity helps reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Conversely, it also helps stimulate the production of endorphins, a chemical that elevates your mood and acts as a pain-killer. Endorphins will help you relax and feel optimistic.
Additionally, exercising can help you achieve personal goals relating to weight and health. The sense of accomplishment that you get from achieving such goals can boost your confidence and sense of self-worth. As a result of this, exercise often has positive effects on individuals who suffer from excessive stress and depression.
Better mental health can also lead to better performance at school or at work.
Helps you get better sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to lower energy levels which then leads to less physical activity during the day. Conversely, getting plenty of exercise can help you get better quality sleep at night.
There are a few reasons for this. First, exercise can influence your core body temperature. During physical activity, your body will begin to heat up. After the workout, your body will begin to cool down. This shift in temperature is similar to the shift that occurs before you sleep. Thus, exercising sends signals to the body that it’s time to rest and get some shut-eye.
Additionally, depression and anxiety are common causes for insomnia. A swirling head, anxious thoughts and just general fear can severely affect your sleeping schedule. Since exercise helps manage some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety, it can effectively help you get better-quality sleep.
Getting proper rest ensures that you are fully energized for the day ahead. After a good night’s sleep, you might find it easier to be more productive at school or at work.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Working up a sweat with friends and family can make exercise a fun experience as opposed to a chore. It can also help foster deeper connections with loved ones.
There are plenty of ways to make your daily exercise routine enjoyable and social. First, there are team sports. You can join your local basketball league or even start your own. Additionally, you can also join dancing or martial arts classes. Such classes can be enjoyable as they often work towards a goal, whether it’s an upcoming performance or a new belt.
Hiking is also a great activity for those who enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes of Australia.
It’s important to make exercise as fun as possible. Doing so will increase the chances of you incorporating it in your daily routine. In addition to having fun, you will also be able to reap its benefits. Oftentimes, exercise is linked to just weight loss. However, it does more than just burn off extra calories. Regular physical activity can help your social life, professional development and self-esteem. So, get out, put your running shoes on and work up a sweat.