Motivation is one of the core elements needed if you want to get and stay in shape, and it’s important to have motivation beyond just wanting to look good. With that in mind, here are six reasons why getting in shape is a great idea.
1 – Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
Exercising releases endorphins and neurotransmitters that ease depression. You also boost your mood and raise your body temperature, and studies have shown that a rising body temperature calms nerves.
Exercise also promotes neural growth. New activity patterns that encourage an overall sense of calm also develop while working out. Research shows that exercise is a stress reliever. Physical exertion releases the hormone epinephrine, also called adrenaline—the hormone responsible for increased blood flow, which carries more oxygen to the brain and makes you more alert. Being alert helps to deal with stress.
2 – Reduces Illnesses
Exercise and being in shape reduces your cholesterol and blood pressure, decreases back pain, and can prevent certain cancers and Alzheimer’s. Exercise also provides great support for your immune system.
When you exercise, the circulation of your white blood cells improves. We need those to fight harmful bacteria that can make us sick. Exercise isn’t an elixir to never be sick again, but after falling ill, the improved circulation from regular exercise will help us to get over being sick quicker.
3 – Improves Your Skin
Many people want to get into shape to be more visually appealing. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s often a big motivator. Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin and improves acne by controlling the production of acne-inducing testosterone hormones like DHT and DHEA.
Sweating can also unclog pores and help breakouts to clear up—a detoxifying effect on the oils and dirt on the skin.
4 – Feel More Energized
Blood vessels that go to your muscles dilate when exercising. This causes an increase in blood flow and oxygen to the working muscles. Exercising also provides a temporary increase in your metabolic rate, resulting in making you feel more energized.
The extra burst of energy lasts after your workout is over. Many people exercise in the morning or afternoon to feel more energized throughout the day. There’s not a set time you ‘have to work out,’ even working out at night still burns calories and makes you feel better.
Fatigue is fought by moving more, not less. Exercise increases stamina by strengthening your heart and spikes your endorphin levels to make you feel more energetic.
Exercise is an important factor in improving your overall quality of life and giving you the energy needed. This extends to work as well. Exercise gives extra bursts of energy, and also improves your self-confidence, and increases overall productivity and focus.
5 – Improve Cardiovascular Endurance
Exercising your body and muscles is akin to studying for a test. When you study, you give yourself the ability to do better. That concept applies to exercising as well. You need to build up your cardiovascular system with endurance activities so you can have an efficient circulatory system.
Regular exercise or physical activity not only strengthens your heart muscles and improves your blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, but it also improves your breathing and muscular contractions. If you’re looking to get the most out of your exercise, taking a pre-workout for cardio can be a great option to increase your endurance.
6 – Save Money on Premiums
Doing things that debilitate your health can be a factor in making you pay more insurance premiums. This is why smokers often pay more premiums, as seen recently here. But the opposite is also true; doing things that boost your health can be a factor in helping you pay fewer premiums.
There are a variety of interesting insurance policies out there that let you pay fewer premiums if you are in great shape. These include health insurance, life insurance, some types of income protection insurance, and more. This makes it financially adventitious to stay healthy, especially as you grow older since age can increase the premiums on various types of insurance.
