The Top 6 Benefits of Exercise
Exercise is a part of human nature, our bodies are designed to run, jump, and sprint. Hundreds of years ago life had come down to the survival of the fittest, and exercise was the avenue to reach that fitness. This is still partially the case as the fittest tend to live longer in modern society, however with advancements in modern technology and medicine extending people's life expectancies, the importance that people place on exercise has lowered. With the modern working adult's busy schedule it can be hard for many people to fit exercise into their daily schedules which has led to an increase in health complications among adults.
Individuals who train their bodies to improve their fitness are rewarded with countless benefits to their health and well being such as improved sleep quality, lower chances of death and disease, improved mental health, and socialization.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines exercise as "physical activity that you do to make your body strong and healthy"
Exercise can be a number of activities: swimming, running, cycling, walking, dancing, sports, group fitness, the options are endless and there is something for everyone!
We all know that exercise is good for us, here's 6 ways that exercise is beneficial and the reasons why:
Getting your body moving during the day by going for a run, working out at the gym, participating in a sports game, or even stretching out with a bit of yoga can help to use up some stored energy. You will feel energized after exercise as your body is flooded with endorphins from your workout and your brain should feel more clear as you have been able to channel any stresses and use exercise as an outlet. These factors combined will allow you to feel a lot more relaxed when bedtime comes around resulting in you drifting off into a blissful, uninterrupted sleep.
Forcing yourself out of bed and into your running shoes when you're feeling down can seem impossible some days (I know, I've been there). The pain of physical activity scares many people off, but what some of these people fail to realise is that our bodies have a special weapon to combat this pain. This weapon is endorphins. Endorphins act like morphine, releasing positive feelings throughout the body, smothering any feelings of pain. Once the pain is smothered the athlete is left with feelings of delightful happiness.
Anxiety reduction
Many studies, including one undertaken by Michael S. Bahrke and William P. Morgan from the University of Wisconsin, have proven that exercise leads to reduced levels of anxiety. Exercise gives the mind a healthy outlet for stress and allows our brains to purge out feelings of negativity and angst. When you exercise your mind is taken off any worrying thoughts and feelings allowing you to relax, leaving you feeling rejuvenated after your workout.
Make new mates
It can get harder and harder to meet new people as you pass through the different stages of life so it is important to find new avenues for socialization. Group fitness classes, social sports, and clubs are all great ways to meet new people while improving your physical health. Our Tribe small group fitness classes are a great way to put yourself out there and meet new people. The coaches make an effort to introduce all new members and make their transition into the class as comfortable as possible. We host social events every 6 weeks for all of our Tribe members to meet up at a bar for some drinks and nibbles and hang out outside of the gym space.
Increased energy
Getting your blood pumping with a morning workout is a great way to increase your energy and make you feel awake and ready to start your day. Exercising increases your heart rate, making you more alert with a rush of adrenaline. The endorphins released from your workout will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on your day. Exercise is a great alternative to your morning tea or coffee!
Live a longer life
Countless studies have been conducted over the years linking exercise to disease prevention and an increased lifespan. Moderate exercise for 30minutes per day 5 days per week is all it takes to add years to your life expectancy, improve organ functionality, and increase overall wellness. In fact not exercising could take years OFF your life. There's no denying that getting your body moving a few times per week will be worth it in the long run.
Now that you have 6 reasons why you should exercise it's time for you to take the advice from our training motivation strategies blog, set some achievable goals for yourself, and get your body moving! Post-work-out you will be grateful, after all, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that they've regretted a workout.