There is a common misconception in the world that exercise is only necessary for those who are overweight, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Here's the simple fact, honey: just because you're "skinny" doesn't mean your body is healthy. Your body is a temple, and you've only got one of them for life. Treat it right! Here's why you should begin exercising more often:
1. Exercising boosts your energy levels.
Working out directly causes your body to work more efficiently, which brings more oxygen to your cells, giving your body more energy.
2. Exercising enhances your memory.
Carrying out a regular exercise routine simply improves your cognitive functioning, therefore making your memory better.
3. Exercising lowers your risk of Type II diabetes.
Type II diabetes is very quickly becoming a worldwide health crisis. Exercise enhances your body's ability to metabolize glucose, diminishing your risk for this disease.
4. Exercising lowers blood pressure.
Whether or not you already have blood pressure issues, it can't hurt to improve your blood health! Exercising attacks the plaque in your arteries, allowing your blood to flow more freely through your body.
5. Exercising reduces body fat.
This one's the obvious one. Working out, especially aerobic workouts, lowers your body mass index, swapping your body fat for your fat-free tissues.
6. Exercising builds strong bones.
I'm aware that weight-lifting and resistance training in general isn't for everyone, but it is for your bones! As you grow older, your bone mineral strength naturally diminishes - don't let that happen! Stay strong, literally.
7. Exercising brings your sex life to a new level.
That's right, working out basically improves every aspect of your life. Greater muscle mass brings about greater stimulation, producing androgens that help maintain the sexual functioning of both men and women.
8. Exercising improves your emotional health.
If you exercise regularly, chances are you'll feel better about yourself, inside and out. Your emotional resilience is greater with frequent workouts.
9. Exercising helps you sleep better.
If you're anywhere as busy as me, you know that you need that full night of sleep in order to function properly throughout your day. Engaging in physical exertion at some time during your day assists in keeping your body's circadian rhythm in tune.
10. Exercising improves your mood.
Aerobic exercise kicks your body's natural endorphins (your body's "feel good" neurotransmitters) into gear. In addition, it is proven that people who work out regularly have a lower risk of depression.
11. Exercising lowers anxiety.
I myself struggle with anxiety, and I find that when I make time to exercise on a regular schedule, I feel less worried in general. Exercising refocuses your attention from your worries to your workout. Then, when you re-approach these daily worries, you'll have a renewed energy to deal with them, with a smile on your face.
Experts recommend that humans complete three to five workouts per week; that is, three to five hours of exercise each week. I understand that this sounds like a lot, but exercise can be fun, believe it or not. Simply choose the workout that is enjoyable for you, from yoga to running to kickboxing class. Only you know what your body needs to feel great.