September 11, 2015
7 Reasons To Exercise That Have Nothing To Do With Weight Loss
For most of us, the summer means that it is time to take our workouts outdoors. Swimming, running, that co-ed soccer team you joined. The available options are endless.
But as we close the book on summer, and look forward to a season of sweaters, Netflix marathons and comfort food, we take this moment to remind you that exercise is important to your overall health and well being. Sure, fall and winter don't require you to have that killer bikini body but that is no reason to give up on exercise completely.
Here are 7 reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with losing weight:
1. Exercise eases anxiety and busts stress.
One of the best ways to fight depression and anxiety is through exercise. And it doesn't have to be hours at the gym on the treadmill, it could be something as simple as a 10 minute walk. A Princeton University study found that mice who were allowed to run on a wheel for six weeks were more likely to explore open spaces than mice who remained sedentary. Although humans and mice differ greatly, the point is clear.2. Exercise protects your heart.
This shouldn't come as a surprise but exercise is good for your heart. UCSF Medical Center recommends a 30-minute brisk walk five days a week for major health benefits. 30 minutes? Think of the time you spend in front of the television or cruising your social media accounts. 30 minutes is nothing!3. Exercise makes you more confident.
A study on the relationship between work-life balance and exercise found that people who exercise regularly are more confident and more able to handle life's stresses. The lead author of the study, Russell Clayton, said, "Individuals who exercised regularly were more confident that they could handle the interaction of their work and home life and were less likely to be stressed at work."