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."
4. Exercise makes you better in bed.
Like this isn't a reason enough all on its own! First, sweating releases sex pheromones, the chemicals that help attract the opposite sex. But beyond that, exercise improves blood flow, helps to prevent erectile dysfunction and can lead to lower estrogen levels (high levels of estrogen have been known to kill sex drive).
5. Exercise kind of gets you high.
Runner's high is a real thing, people! Researchers in Germany found that running sends endorphins (a chemical that makes us happy) to the brain in large quantities. To take this idea further, researchers at Penn State University found that people who are active are generally more excited and enthusiastic than people who don't exercise. So if you're feeling cranky or need a natural pick me up, go for a walk. It might just be a difference maker.
6. Exercise helps with creativity.
A study that looked at the relationship between exercise and creativity found that creativity was at its highest for the two hours following exercise. So instead of beating your head against the wall trying to knock free your creative masterpiece, perhaps take a walk through the park!
7. Exercise helps you get more done.
Through a process known as neurogenesis, exercise gives you more brain cells. People's brains have been shown to grow more quickly if they exercise regularly. And like that isn't a bonus enough, exercise has also been shown to improve memory which is beyond useful when you are trying to get something done!
Winter hibernation doesn't sound like such a good idea anymore, now does it?
What are your favourite reasons for exercising?
Source:
Elite Daily
