Do you ever take the time to be thankful for your health but more so your fitness level?
You give time, sweat and (sometimes) tears at the gym. There is so much to appreciate about an hour spent sweating. The benefits of exercise go far beyond trimming and toning, and you might live longer, be happier and possibly get promoted because of it. Whether you’re a die-hard fitness buff or just need a few reasons to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise every week, following are seven reasons that working out will make you glad you head to the gym.€¨
• You’re happier.The good vibes you feel after completing a kick-butt workout are the gift that keeps on giving. It was found that fit people of every age and gender experienced less anxiety and depression after exercicing at least 60 minutes a week and were more extroverted and less inhibited than their less active counterparts. Even if you’re not a regular exerciser, you can tap into the better-mood benefits of a workout. A 2008 study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that aerobic training improved participants’ moods, whether or not they worked out regularly. It’s still best to make exercise a habit.
• You live a healthier, longer life. Your workout goals may be built around a smaller dress size now, but those miles you’re logging on the treadmill can add years to your life down the line. A 2005 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that men and women over age 50 who regularly completed exercise enjoyed 1.1 and 1.3 more years without cardiovascular disease/boost in lifespan. Staying fit also boosts your brain health. A 2005 study for the Journal of Gerontology found that even light and moderate exercise improves brain function throughout your life and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• You can build memory muscle. Do you misplace your keys? High-intensity workouts give your memory an instant boost. A 2006 study published in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory found that participants who completed two three-minute sprints were able to learn vocabulary words 20 percent faster than participants who performed a low-intensity workout before attempting to memorize the words. High-intensity activity boosts your brain’s levels of BDNF — a protein that improves short-term memory — as well as dopamine and epinephrine, a chemical combo that supports long-term memory. Exercise also can provide immediate mental clarity.
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• You’re a better employee. Hitting the gym can help keep your job from feeling too stressful or overwhelming. A 2008 study published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees self-reported better moods and higher productivity on workdays when they exercised. They also shared that when they exercised, they had better concentration, stronger work relationships and a heightened resilience to stress. Regular sweat sessions also may keep you from using all your sick days.
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• You raise healthier children. You can sign up your child for every after-school sport offered, but you need to lead by example, too. Studies show that seeing parents exercise plays a crucial role in children’s health. A 2010 review from Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that kids with active parents are more likely to be active themselves. Remember, parents, that you are role model.
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• You sleep better at night. A workout during the day helps you sleep better at night. A 2005 review published in Clinics in Sports Medicine found that exercise reduces anxiety, improves mood and regulates body temperature — important factors when it comes to falling (and staying) asleep. Many adults don’t get enough shut-eye. A Centers for Disease Control study conducted from 2005 to 2007 found that 28 percent of adults were getting less than the government's recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night. If you need more motivation to hit the hay, consider this: A six-year Canadian study found that people who slept for five to six hours each night gained 88 percent more weight than those who slept for seven to eight hours a night. Short-duration sleepers also experienced a 58 percent higher increase in waist circumference and a 124 percent higher increase in body fat percentage compared with those who got seven to eight hours of rest.€¨
• You’re in control of your best body. No surprise here: Exercise helps build a great body. When you get moving regularly, it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight. Improve your overall health and metabolism and counteract a genetic tendency toward obesity.
Source: Fitbie
