The life-changing benefits of exercise
September 1st, 2010
Consider “No Pain, No Gain” the old fashioned way of thinking about exercise. Current health studies prove that exercise doesn’t have to hurt to be incredibly effective. Research indicates that even short low-impact intervals of exercise act as a powerful tool to supercharge your health. If you have time for a 15-minute walk with the dog, your body will thank you in many ways.
How exercise boosts your energy, mood, and brainpower
* Relieves stress and anxiety. A twenty-minute bike ride won’t sweep away life’s troubles, but exercising regularly helps you take charge of anxiety and reduce stress. How so? Aerobic exercise releases hormones that relieve stress and give a sense of well-being.
* Alleviates depression. Did you know that exercise treats mild to moderate depression as effectively as anti-depression medicine? Experts believe that physical activity increases serotonin, a brain chemical that fights negative thoughts and depression.
* Boosts mood. Exercise also releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in our brain that energize our spirits and simply make us feel good.
* Sharpens brainpower. The same endorphins that make us feel better also help us concentrate and feel mentally sharp for our tasks at hand.
* Improves self-esteem. Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body and soul. When it becomes habit, it can help foster a stronger sense of self-worth since you take the time to take care of yourself.
* Energy gain. Want less fatigue, improved sleep, and a natural shot of joi de vivre? Get moving in the fresh air. It’s true that increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more get-up-and-go. Start off with just a few minutes of exercise a day, then after a while, you’ll have the energy to add a few more minutes to your routine.
With so many life-changing benefits, why does exercise often feel like such a chore, something that’s simply unrealistic in your busy life—something for the young or the athletic, not for you? There are a lot of commonly-held myths about exercise that make it seem more arduous and painful than it has to be. Are any of the following myths holding you back? Let’s separate facts from fiction to overcome your barriers to getting active.
Categories: Exercise & Fitness
