We all know working out and staying active is great way to burn calories and build muscle, but what else does it do to our bodies? There are some, not exactly hidden, but overlooked benefits that working out impacts us in a positive way. We hope these facts will motivate you to get moving and pumping those weights.
1. It helps you sleep better
Not only does exercise give you more energy throughout the day, it’ll improve your sleep when you’re all done with your exciting activities. Regular physical activity helps you fall asleep quicker and promotes a deeper, more invigorating sleep. It is important to remember though that exercising too close to your bedtime can keep you awake with too much abundant energy. How this works is that your body temperature increases during the day, and lowers during the night which causes you to fall asleep. Exercising increases the body temperature higher than not exercising, which then leads to a lower body temperature later on, increasing the likelihood of quality sleep.
2. It makes you feel better, chemically.
For some, the thought of working out is associated with feelings of exhaustion and pain. This may be true for some of the process, but working out actually chemically makes you feel better. 30 minutes of actively working out releases “positive” chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals also work as stress relievers and have a soothing effect on our bodies. Working out also increases blood flow to the brain, which is great for thinking.
3. It makes you feel better, emotionally.
In addition to the clear biological and physical benefits, for many, exercise provides emotional and intrinsic benefits. Working out frequently can increase self-esteem and body image. That doesn’t mean that you have to have sub 10% body fat or rock hard abs, but seeing small changes to your body and fitness level can do wonders for confidence.
4. It helps the brain
Keeping your brain running smoothly is pretty important since it keeps everything else running smoothly. It may come as no surprise then that running and physical activity can help keep the brain in tip top shape. Exercising actually promotes the growth of more brain cells and formation of more connections between those cells, which in turns promotes learning. Of course, complicated exercises or sports further increase this benefit and working out has also been shown to improve concentration.
5. It increases your immune system
Tired of being tired and getting the sniffles and taking sick days? Regular exercise can actually improve your immune system and help your body fight off those nasty viruses and bacteria. Working out stimulates cells involved in the immune system and help to battle the decline of the immune system with older age. Not only does it increase the immune system, it also decreases the chances of many diseases.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of working out, it’s important to get out there and do it. Maybe start with some commercial grade gym equipment. Whichever way you choose, exercise will only help you.