These 5 Exercise Benefits May be Just the Thing to Motivate You

Exercise is something we all need, no matter the age, gender or even species! Perhaps you’re caught in a web of wondering if there are really any exercise benefits and if this is worth taking a look at.

We were not designed to remain inert. In fact, inertia actually leads to all kinds of problems, from muscle wastage to obesity.

Exercise benefits range from adding years to your life to improving your mood on a daily basis and boosting your energy levels so that you have the drive to get on with other important life tasks… and those are just a few of many.

Physical activity is an absolute necessity, but that doesn’t mean we all feel motivated to indulge regularly! Sometimes we need a kick up the backside to get off the couch or away from the desk and out into the fresh air. Sometimes that’s just life.

We figured that if you had a list of all the exercise benefits available to you in place, it might just give you the motivation you need to get going.

Here are the top 5 benefits you’ll receive if you exercise regularly:

Exercise benefit #1: A toned physique and healthy weight

We all have different body ideals but it’s probably safe to say that most people don’t relish the idea of being overweight. When your body is fat it is not functioning at optimal capacity.

We need some fat to insulate us, protect our organs and absorb nutrients… but fat should be kept in balance.

Knowing your body fat percentage is a good place to start. Likewise, calculating your BMI (body mass index) is a smart idea if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight. Once you know what you’re aiming for, all you need to do is invest some time in regular exercise and use your BMI readings to check you’re doing it right.

On the other hand, if you look in the mirror and see a svelte goddess or rippling Adonis, you probably don’t need to do much math.

Most of us want a toned body and slim or muscled physique… But to be quite honest, unless you were blessed with a naturally athletic physique, exercise is the only way you’re going to get it.

Exercise benefit #2: Beat disease and increase vitality

Another of the best exercise benefits is being physically healthy and oozing vitality. Those people with a glowing complexion who don’t get out of breath when taking two stairs at a time… The ones who never seem to catch a cold and relish putting their bodies to the test – they’re the ones who exercise regularly!

They probably spend a lot less time worrying about heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke… and here’s a list of other potential health problems that physically active people are more likely to avoid:

• Arthritis
• Metabolic syndrome
• High blood cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Some types of cancer

You probably get the picture, but Johns Hopkins will elaborate if not. Physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (which is considered the ‘good’ stuff) at the same time as lowering the ‘bad’ (low-density lipoprotein AKA LDL) triglycerides.

The result is unabated blood flow and tip-top cardiovascular health. On top of this, you’ll have better cognitive function and a longer life span.

Exercise benefit #3: Enhanced energy levels

Panting when running for the bus isn’t a good look, and it doesn’t feel too great either. Wouldn’t it be a relief to have the energy on tap whenever you required it?

Well, if you choose to exercise regularly, your energy levels will naturally creep up. Stamina and endurance are improved the more you exercise, so how much extra energy you have will correspond directly to how much effort you put in.

This happens because when you exercise, you’ll take in extra oxygen and your tissues will receive more nutrients. Your muscles will also become accustomed to the extra activity and be ready for more. Your heart will thank you for it too.

Exercise benefit #4: Enhanced mood

Another of our favourite exercise benefits is better mood. Thanks to the rush of endorphins (your brain’s ‘happy’ chemicals) induced by physical exercise, you’re likely to feel like life is going well.

At the same time as boosting your mood, exercising will help you drop any stress you’re carrying around with you.

You don’t even need to do so much to feel this particular benefit; fast-paced walking or a stint in the gym should suffice. As your weight and physique improve over time, your mood should receive even more of a boost.

When the mirror tells you that you’re looking great, it’s hard not to smile, right?

Exercise benefit #5: Sleeping like a baby

We’re not referring to the babies that scream their way through the nocturnal hours; most babies can sleep through anything, and that’s something plenty of adults envy!

If you struggle to get off to sleep at night (or stay asleep), know that putting your body through its paces during the day will make all the difference.

Of all the exercise benefits, this one’s a biggie. When you sleep well, your body repairs more easily, you wake up with more energy and your mind is clear enough to go about your daily tasks without relying on coffee.

There’s only one caveat: if you work out late in the evening, it’ll take you longer to get to sleep as you’ll still be full of post-work out energy.

To conclude, exercise benefits are something we could all do with in our lives. Exercise keeps you healthy physically and mentally, keeps your body in shape and energised, your mind clear and your nights peaceful.

Even just 2 to 3 hours per week of moderate aerobic exercise is enough for you to reap some benefits, but the more effort you put in, the better.

Whether you go all out with bodybuilding or keep yourself slim and flexible with yoga, it all helps.