Working out has received a bad rap lately. As a society, we’ve come to see it as a chore, something we should only be doing if we really feel a strong desire to lose weight. But the truth is, weight loss isn’t the only reason you should be working out. Here’s five reasons why you should be working out more…
1). Improved sleep.
This one seems like a no brainer. If you work out, you’re going to feel extra tired that night and probably catch a few more Zs. In fact, exercise is known to be a great natural remedy for insomnia, helping to regulate daily/nightly rhythms and reduce stress that might be preventing sleep in the first place. The National Sleep Foundation found that getting in the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can lead to a 65% increase in quality of sleep. That’s enough reason for us to hit the gym!
2). Increased energy levels.
We all remember that famous line from Legally Blonde…”Exercise gives your endorphins. Endorphins make you happy…”. Sneaking in a quick workout does indeed increase your level of endorphins and ultimately boosts your energy levels and your overall mood. Exercise has even been known to be an effective therapy for those with chronic fatigue syndrome. So while working out can lead to improved sleep, it can also give you a mild boost an energy to take on your day.
3). Improved brain function, including memory.
Hitting the gym consistently may just be your secret study weapon. The fact is that consistent exercise has been proven to help attention span, focus and memory. A 2012 study even found that a pre-test workout session may lead to improved test scores. In fact, the brain responds so well to exercise, it may just be the key to fighting Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases. Research around dementia and Alzheimer’s have found that consistent exercise can rapidly slow down decline in cognitive function.
4). Boost your immunity.
Working out the right amount can give your immune system the boost that it needs. This is mostly in regards to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease and potentially cancer. But research has also shown that working out makes you 43% less likely to experience seasonal sickness such as the flu, and can decrease the severity of a bug if you do happen to get sick. Of course, this is a fine line as working out too much can also run down your immune system and cause you to get sick as well.
5). Fight addiction.
When you exercise and your body releases endorphins, this natural high can help to replace the body’s need to turn to other substances, making working out a great therapy for addiction. Addiction can mean anything from smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, eating disorders, you name it! A quick trip to the gym can replace the habit.
6). Simply feel good!
This is our favorite reason to work out. The fact is, creating a health and consistent exercise regime can make you feel like you’re on top of the world, and that’s probably because it’s improved your health overall. There’s really no better reason to hit the gym than that!
