Apparently people need to know "what's in it for me" when it comes to exercise, so I am here to share the many benefits with you. Maybe this will provide you with an extra push to get YOUR workout in today.
1) Exercise prevents disease -- It may sound almost too easy, but it is a simple fact. Regular exercise has proven time and time again to prevent risk factors for these diseases:
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Type II Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Dementia
- Elevated Cholesterol
- Even some kinds of cancer
2) Improve your sex life - Another no brainer. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women and greatly reduces the incidence of Erectile Disfunction for men, especially as they age. The other reasons it would improve your sex life are a little more obvious. If you look and feel good, you're more likely to skip that "headache" in favor of a little excitement in the bedroom.
3) Battle insomnia - Science Daily cites a study from Northwestern University of Medicine that evaluated middle aged and older folks who suffered from chronic insomnia. The study concluding that exercising vigorously a few times a week improved their self reported sleep grade more than 4 points versus other participants who took Tai Chi and only improved 1 point. Improved sleep will give you more energy, which will help you maintain your exercise routine. Speaking of more energy....
4) MORE ENERGY - This is my favorite benefit of exercising regularly. As a brain tumor survivor, I have experienced first hand the effects of "chronic illness" which include fatigue from surgery, treatment and medication. Whether you have battled illness or have a clean bill of health, we all experience energy drain from time to time. This may be when you want to work out the least, but it is when you need it the most. The science is interesting... the "runner's high" (which I have experienced first hand, and have become addicted to) may be due to chemical changes in the brain that take place, or more oxygen in the blood running to the brain and other body parts, or the effect may be totally placebo. No matter the mechanics, it works! Given that, some folks may find it hard to exercise late in the day because it may interfere with sleep.
5) Psychological benefits - Similar to the benefit of added energy, I have personally experienced an unbelievable change in symptoms of anxiety and depression by regular, vigorous exercise. Reviews have been mixed in the studies that I am reading, but I feel that this may be related to issues tracking follow ups with subjects as well as issues with subjects not continuing the exercise after the study is complete. http://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(04)00241-7/abstract
The American Journal of Preventative Medicine did conclude that AEROBIC exercise is a suitable treatment for Major Moderate Depressive Disorder, whereas lighter exercise had a kind of placebo effect. It would stand to reason that it takes a certain level of intensity in the exercise to generate those chemical changes in the brain.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743505002331
A similar study concluded that while evaluating subjects who were already exercising that "regular exercise is cross-sectionally associated with lower neuroticism, anxiety and depression and higher extraversion and sensation seeking in the population."
6) Reducing aches and pains - many aches and pains especially back, neck and shoulders are caused by tight muscles and poor posture. Exercise can stretch and relax those muscles, and building your core is shown to improve your posture.
7) BURN FAT!!! I suppose this should have been first, but especially strength building exercises which build muscle will help your body to burn fat. Exercise in general helps to speed up your metabolism and use your food more efficiently.
and here is just a group of quick benefits:
8) Circulates blood and oxygen throughout the body for improved performance
9) Creates a healthy environment for your heart and lungs
10) Improves memory and cognition
11) Enhances coordination and balance
12) Can reduce symptoms of PMS and PMDD
13) Improve your complexion
14) Increased strength and endurance
15) Improved learning
16) Healthier immune system
17) Longevity - reduced risk of premature death
18) More efficient work performance
19) Sense of accomplishment and satisfaction
20) Repair and restructuring damaged brain tissue
So given all of these benefits, please compare with your list of excuses. Those excuses would have to seem insignificant when stacked against all of the benefits you can see here. Take that first step and soon you will see these benefits and many others. It can change your life!
Other articles
http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/94/4/857
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/fitness/articles/2010/06/30/0630healthexercise
http://tf.hu/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Radák-Zsolt-NTK-21.pdf
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