As 2015 comes to a close, I propose we put an end to exercise shaming and all the annoying questions that come along with it. What is exercise shaming, you ask? It is the horrible misconception that exercise has the solitary purpose of losing weight; what’s more, if you are perceived as “skinny” by the general public, then you definitely don’t need to work out or talk about working out.
Exercising does not have the universal, single goal of losing weight for all individuals. Read that again if you must. With that said, even if an individual is exercising to lose weight, no person (other than their designated doctor) has the authority to tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t be doing. Exercise if you like it, don’t if you don’t, but by the end of 2015, let’s stop telling other people what they “don’t need to be doing” because you so righteously said so.
Exercise has many more benefits than simply weight loss. And while this may shock some, weight loss isn’t possible for everyone. Every person’s body is different, like a snowflake, and some may have a weight that is healthy and normal, but appear different than the standardized norm. Getting in shape is fantastic (go you for getting off the couch!), but it doesn’t mean it is the only goal for everyone, nor should it be. Here are five additional benefits of exercise that can combat the “you’re skinny, you don’t need to work out” remarks.
1. It's a mental health boost.
The benefits of exercise on mental health have been studied numerous times in numerous cases. Exercise improves an individual’s perception of well-being and can be alternative treatment for many common mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and PTSD. The endorphins released during exercise can relax the body and mind, leaving both feeling happier and healthier.
2. It can greatly reduce chronic pain.
Regular exercise can boost the production of feel-good endorphins, as mentioned with mental health, and can reduce chronic pain. Additionally, working out can prevent muscles from weakening, joints from stiffening, and tone the areas that are most afflicted. While many focus exercise solely on weight lose, self-physical therapy can be powerful pain management even for those not seeking to drop numerous pant sizes.
3. Self-confidence boost: I feel good!
Endorphins, endorphins, endorphins. These things are magical, or at least, they like to make us think so. Endorphins are mood boosters that can give long-term self-esteem benefits. Exercise is an investment in your mind, body, and soul. Making working out a habit can make an individual feel strong and powerful, and meeting goals increases a sense of achievement. Losing weight doesn’t have to be about numbers to an individual, but rather the sense of control over one’s body. You don’t have to be losing pound after pound for exercise to give you a glow of self-confidence that makes you want to wear a bikini and look in the mirror to tell yourself, “I’m sexy and happy with who I am!”
4. Promotion of better sleep.
Those who get the full recommended hours of sleep and wake up feeling rested every morning are like mythical creatures to the rest of us. So if exercise can help us sleep better, why not try it? Studies from Northwestern University have shown that regular moderate levels of exercise can reduce stress levels and help promote a better, and longer, night's sleep. It is recommended you exercise in the mornings or afternoons, but if a demanding schedule leaves you only with free time at night, relaxing exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching can be more beneficial.
5. It can be fun!
For many, working out conjures images of painfully crying while running on the treadmill or legs burning as you try to do that damn stair-stepper machine again. Here’s a magical tip – it doesn’t have to be miserable. Every person has different interests, and the same goes for exercising. Some people prefer traditional weigh lifting or running, but others enjoy group classes such as hip-hop dancing or Zumba. If working out makes you miserable or feels like a chore, maybe you just haven’t found your niche.
Exercise is to benefit you – mind, body, and soul, not to please anyone else. Weight loss is just one of many benefits of exercise, so never subject someone to criticism of their body or motives. Making your body and mind feel good should be a top priority in everyone’s lives – so find your passion and don’t let others deter you from keeping it up!
