Many of us like to work up a sweat because we want to feel good, get stronger, and of course get that rockin’ bod. The good news is that a great session can do all that, plus much more! Exercise has a number of benefits for the whole body. Take a look at some of them below - some of them may surprise you!
GET GLOWING SKIN
Who needs highlighter when you can get that great post-workout glow? Exercise works wonders for the skin - when you get your heart pumping and an increase in circulation, your skin gets a good dose of oxygenated blood, giving you that natural flush of radiance.
And you’d think with all that sweat dripping over your face that it would be doing more harm than good, right? But actually, sweating can help your pores release any oil, dirt or grime stuck in there. Just make sure you give your face a good cleanse after a workout!
SHARPEN YOUR MEMORY
Good news if you’re always forgetting where you left your car keys. Studies have shown that regular exercise can help boost memory and improve learning. A good sweaty session increases the production of cells in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
BANISH CRAVINGS
Not only can exercise help us burn off those extra calories, but it can also help us to stop diving into the cookie jar. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology notes that an hour of moderate exercise "reduced neuronal responses in brain regions consistent with reduced pleasure of food, reduced incentive motivation to eat, and reduced anticipation and consumption of food." When you work out, your body diverts blood flow from your stomach to your muscles that are working, therefore reducing hunger.
SLEEP BETTER
Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking or running, can help improve the quality of your sleep. As well as tiring your body out so it craves a restful night of sleep to replenish and restore, exercise can help to relieve your body of any stress that may be keeping you awake at night.
IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Fitness can work wonders for your mindset. It can help with everything from relieving stress to boosting mental clarity. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good endorphins, allowing your body to relieve tension, relax muscles, and boost your mood.
BOOST BODY POSITIVITY
Whether you want to lose weight, tone up, or build muscle and strength, consistent exercise is how you’re going to smash those goals. When you hit your target weight, or get those sculpted arms you’ve always wanted, that feeling of achievement makes all the hard work worthwhile. If you’re consistent with your training, you will get results.
GET MORE DONE
Feeling uninspired and struggling to get your tasks done for the day? Try a short walk or jog in your lunch break. Studies suggest that workers who make time for regular exercise are more productive and have higher energy levels throughout the day.
INSPIRE OTHERS
If you’re wanting to push yourself that little bit extra, try bringing a buddy along to your workout. You’ll motivate each other and you won’t want to let the other person down so you’ll keep pushing through those squats!
GET CREATIVE
Instead of taking a hot shower after your workout, why not tap into your creativity? Research suggests that a heart-pumping sweat session can boost creativity and spontaneous thinking. So next time you need to spark an idea, get your body moving!
What’s your favourite benefit of exercise? We’d love to know what motivates you to move your body - let us know in the comments below!
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