8 Non-weight Related Reasons to Work Out …

8 Non-weight Related Reasons to Work Out … 

 

We all know that exercising is one of the keys to staying trim but I want to talk about some reasons to work out that have nothing to do with dieting! Yes ma’am, there are a plethora of non-weight related reasons to work out that will have you wanting to get out there and break a sweat! So if you thought that exercising was just for gym rats and weight loss, keep reading for the lowdown on the various benefits of working out!

 

1. Improve Your Mood

Have you ever noticed that you’re in a good after working out? People who exercise regularly are at a lower risk for depression and I can totally see why! Even if you start off your workout in a foul mood, it’s hard not to smile and be proud of yourself after you get through a workout! After just 20 minutes of exercise, your body will produce endorphins which are our body’s natural, feel-good neurotransmitters that boost your mood and make you feel great!

2. Improve Your Memory

Another one of the awesome benefits of working out is that it can actually help boost your brain power! A study by Columbia University Medical Center found that the participants in the study who exercised performed better on memory tests than those who didn’t exercise. Exercise increases oxygen and it can also augment the effects of helpful chemicals in the brain so exercising your body is also like exercising your brain!

3. Improve Your Energy

Do you find yourself feeling fatigued often? Do you feel like you need an energy boost but caffeine just doesn’t do it for ya? Well, you’re in luck because working out regularly can give you a natural energy boost and help fight fatigue! A study published by the Psychological Bulletin reported that sedentary people who took part in a regular workout regimen reported an increase in energy and improved fatigue. The next time you feel tired you might want to take a nap but a brisk walk might be just what you need!

4. Reduce Anxiety

Working out doesn’t just keep the blues away, if you experience anxiety you can help fight off the symptoms of anxiety in as little as ten minutes with exercise! Doctors “prescribed” a 10-week exercise program for individuals with anxiety and the benefits were said to be almost the same as with the drug clomipramine. This is great news! Exercise is something that we can all work into our lives to help improve our well-being!

5. Keep Bones Strong

We normally don’t think about strengthening our bones when we exercise but it’s definitely another reason to exercise! As we age, our bones tend to decrease in density but we can help keep our bones strong and healthy by regularly exercising! Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise can help strengthen your bones and reduce age-related bone loss!

6. Boost Your Immune System

Exercising helps us feel good and there’s also evidence that it can help give your immune system a boost also! Regular exercise can help you fight off bacterial and viral infections and helps fight off stress which can increase your chance of getting sick. Engage in a consistent exercise routine to see some big benefits in your health!

7. Increase Your Self Esteem

We’ve learned that working out has tremendous mental health benefits and it also has a positive impact on self-esteem! A 2004 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that those with low self-esteem got the most benefit from exercise. But I think we can all agree that exercising makes us like a champion and why shouldn’t we all take advantage of this pleasant side effect?!
I know life gets busy and it can be tough to have a regular workout routine but there are just so many reasons to exercise! I hope this list inspires you to stick to your workout the next time you feel tempted to skip it. There are just too many benefits for us to pass up and we’ll reap the benefits for years to come! What inspires you to work out?