The 10 Other Reasons You Want to Exercise

We all know that exercise is good for us, but beyond some obvious benefits (weight control, strength, and cardiovascular health), it may help to understand some of the other reasons you may want to lace up those sneakers.

• Increased Energy- the last thing you want to do when you are tired is work out. But, you should know that by spending a little energy at the outset, you’d actually gain more in the long run.

• Mood Boost- Regular physical exercise in general has repeatedly been shown to be as effective at combating depression as several prescription medications.

• Immune Boost and Disease Prevention- Physical activity helps flush bacteria and viruses out of our bodies. It also causes our bodies to release antibodies and white blood cells into our system at an accelerated rate, which means that these “defense cells” may find and conquer illness in a more efficient way.

• Stress Management- Exercise slows down the release of stress-related hormones in the body.

• Pain Management –Many types of pain, especially chronic back pain and even arthritis, can be improved with gentle exercise. People with pain tend to remain immobile on order to protect themselves from further pain or injury. Unfortunately, our muscles become very stiff and atrophy without regular movement, thus actually worsening the condition in the long term

• Improved Digestion- a sedentary lifestyle can cause your digestion to become sluggish. If your bowel habits are not regular, try to incorporate some movement into your routine. Exercise will help boost your metabolism and enhance the efficiency of your digestive system’s ability to break down your food.

• Improved Brain Function- Believe it or not, exercise can stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and also improve the function of those that already exist. Increasing amounts of research are proving that exercise is effective at delaying cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, and also improves general memory.