When people decide to exercise, many times it is to lose weight. This is an interesting concept because exercise is the least effective at helping a person lose weight when you are comparing it to simply changing your diet and food intake. The best benefits from exercise don’t include weight loss.
Building Muscle
I know many people get a little scared of building muscle, but it is such a beneficial thing to have. Muscle will give your body some shape. I know I personally have really enjoyed having extra muscle on my body. It has tightened me up and it makes me feel strong (more on this later). My arms have less jiggle (honestly, we all have a little!) and I am leaner than before.
Muscle also takes more energy to maintain so a person will need to eat more food to maintain what they have built. Did you read that last part? You get to eat more food if you have more muscle!
A pound of muscle burns seven to ten calories a day where a pound of fat burns two to three calories a day. Think about that for a second. That’s a huge difference! So, by building more muscle you will increase the amount you NEED to eat in a day. Sounds like a good trade off to me! Try these protein bars to help build some muscle. Or make some no bake protein balls!
Mental Benefits from Exercise
There are some days when you just aren’t feeling your best. You don’t want to do anything, and then you push yourself to go for a walk, lift a few weights, turn on that video, etc. Afterwards, you feel amazing! This is the next benefit.
Exercise can help shake the blues away. As they said in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” It is so true!
Mental health is a huge benefit of exercise
I cannot count the number of times I have powered through a workout and felt like a superhero by the time I finished.
The endorphins released by the body reduce perception of pain and can trigger a positive feeling in your body similar to a drug, but obviously, much better for you! Next time you feel restless or upset, go for a walk, punch a bag, anything to get your body moving.
Stress Relief
This goes with the idea above in that it improves your mental health. I have been around so many people that take my classes and afterward they thank me and say, “I really needed that today. I’m so stressed from work and this just made me feel so much better.” Everyday stress puts a toll on all of us and exercise is a great way to cope with it.
Not only do you have the endorphins flowing, but this is something you can control. I personally love being able to have some control over things in my life and my exercise routine is something I can control and I decide I am the boss.
This is so important these days when workers are getting more on their plates and we have less control over the environment we live in.
Your Overall Health
Obviously, the biggest one here is your overall health. By strengthening muscles with resistance training, you will help yourself with your balance as you age and obviously be able to pick up that big box even when someone tells you, “Oh honey, get your husband to help. This box is heavy.” ::eye roll::
Heart health is one of the benefits of exercise
Your heart health will be improved from cardio. An exercising person is less likely to suffer from chronic diseases. The list goes on. There is a saying, “Make time for fitness or you make time for illness.” I truly believe that this is an important statement for everyone to think about, especially when they say they don’t have time.
Feeling Strong
This one is addictive because feeling strong is a huge motivator for me. It amazes me how much my body can do when I push myself. I can deadlift at least 50 pounds more than I weigh (I’m building this one back up to try to get up to 100 pounds over what I weigh) and I can squat more than my bodyweight.
Before I started working out I couldn’t do these things. I didn’t know I would be able to! These are just a couple accomplishments that make me feel strong. Honestly, no one knows what they can accomplish until they try.
Celebrating Your Body
A big reason you should exercise is because you can. You have an amazing body that has done so much for you. Exercise should be a reward and not a punishment because you ate cake (cake can be enjoyed in moderation!). It feels good to move!
Your body is meant to move and get stronger and everyone should fully embrace it. Find something you enjoy and fit it in your schedule, not as punishment, but as a reward!
What kinds of exercise do you enjoy? What is your reason to exercise?