The gym has become a sanctuary for me. It's a great place to exercise, listen to music as loud as you want(in your headphones of course), and just let out some stress in a healthy way. There are five benefits however, that I think are the most influential and significant.
1). A toned physique-This benefit is probably the most obvious, but it is certainly noteworthy. Not only does looking better make you feel good on the outside, but on the inside as well. You feel stronger, and more confident. You also have more energy as a result of having a more toned body. I absolutely feel like I can last longer on the treadmill, and I do not get as tired as easily as I did before.
2). A healthier mental state-Working out makes you feel less depressed, and less anxious. You're distracting yourself by moving your body, so it gives your mind something positive to focus on. It also helps you to feel more determined to take on harder tasks, and makes you feel calmer. I am feeling a lot happier from exercising more regularly.
3). Increased productivity-Believe it or not, working out helps you to be more productive throughout the day. If I work out in the morning in particular, I can get a lot more accomplished because my body and brain had an effective warm-up. The time of day when you work out makes a big difference, and I personally think mornings are an ideal time to get your blood pumping. If you wait too late, then you'll be sluggish and slow.
4). Improved social skills-Working out in a gym can be a great place to be with people, and even a way to potentially make new friends. You're sharing a common interest with others, so it makes it easier to talk to people. Even if you don't make lifelong friends, being amongst other people certainly helps, and makes you feel less lonely.
Lastly, the fifth benefit of working out is...
5). A longer life-In general, by exercising regularly, you're already extending your lifespan by quite a few years. You'll have lower risks of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are illnesses that unfortunately many people face, so the more you can do to keep yourself healthy, the better. Even if you can only manage 10 minutes of exercise, small amounts will eventually add up, and will lead you on the right path.
I hope that you learned something from reading this. Remember that every little bit helps, so make sure you make smart decisions!
