Lord knows that exercising can be tedious. I’m the first to admit that I have to really force myself to get out there and be physical, and even then I can’t convince myself half the time. So the fact that the Centers for Disease Control recently reported that only 20% of American adults consistently exercise didn’t surprise me.
While it’s no secret that the the physical benefits of exercise are vast–from muscle strength, to heart health–there are additional, less obvious benefits you may not know about. These are the reasons I tell myself to get my butt moving. Are they enough to convince you?
Better Memory
Routine running and other cardiovascular exercises in your 20s have shown to improve memory through middle age, noted a recent study published in Neurology. The study evaluated participants aged 18-30 with a treadmill test, similar to a cardiovascular stress test, to see how long they could run before stopping or becoming short of breath. Participants then took cognitive tests 25 years later to evaluate memory and executive function. Researchers found a direct correlation between cardiovascular stamina in the first evaluation with memory and executive function test performance 25 years later. This is just another reason to build good fitness habits while you are young. Not only will a solid cardio routine help you keep fit, it can also keep you mind sharp for decades to come.
Implement It:
You don’t have to like running now, but you can learn to love it. Sign up for a 10k or a half marathon with a friend and start a training plan to improve your performance ability. You can help keep each other accountable and having a race as the end goal keeps your deadline firm to to help you follow through with it.
More Happiness
Regularly practicing meditative fitness like Pilates or yoga has been found to bolster feelings of happiness, according to findings of a survey conducted by the Journal of Holistic Nursing. The survey evaluated over 1,000 participants who regularly practiced on a weekly basis for at least two months. More than 86 percent of those surveyed reported improved levels of happiness in their lives. The study found a theme from respondents that regular yoga practice generally leads to positive self transformation. While exactly what it is about Pilates and yoga that causes this is unclear, it gives some credibility to the “yoga buzz” that many devoted yogis report feeling after practice.
Implement It:
Whether you’ve just had a bad breakup, you’re stressed from work or just need a little pick-me-up, grab your mat and find a nearby yoga class. Most gyms offer yoga classes or you can practice sun salutation without shelling out a lot for a studio package by finding videos online and practicing at home a few times each week. Whatever way you choose, you’ll be stretching your way toward inner bliss in no time.
Bolstered Energy
Instead of having another cup of coffee, start your day with a workout to improve energy levels and decrease fatigue. A study conducted by exercise psychology professionals at the University of Georgia found that participants experienced a 20 percent increase in energy levels after adopting a consistent exercise routine. The participants previously had sedentary lifestyles and adopted a routine of exercising three days a week for six weeks over the course of the study. Workouts don’t have to be especially strenuous to make a difference, according to the study researchers. Participants only needed to complete a minimum of 20 minutes of low intensity aerobic exercise for their daily workout. By adding something as simple as a few walks to your weekly schedule, you can improve your energy levels and your overall fitness.
Implement It:
Instead of snoozing the alarm clock for 20 minutes in the morning, make that time count. Start your day with a brisk walk around the neighborhood to boost your energy all day long. Too rushed in the morning getting out the door to work? Take a midmorning break at the office and walk a few laps around the building with a coworker.
I would say that I’m lazy to exercise because I tend to do nothing during my free time… LOL
I often opt to sleep and sleep and sleep whenever I don’t have work..
More often than not, we tend to associate exercise with “losing weight” or “having that thin model figure.” It’s really great that this article gave us different, wonderful reasons to exercise 🙂
I love the fact that this article explained and discussed “exercise” as a way to achieve other things — beside losing weight. My personal opinion is that if weight lost (or being healthy) is the primary motivator for exercising, then the higher chances of not being able to exercise!
Oh yeah, it’s hard to be faithful to exercise, simply because most of the time we tend to be lazy.
For me, more happiness is a great motivator. Exercise, exercise and more exercise!!!
Bolstered energy is a great motivator…it can be pretty hard to talk myself out of bed when the snooze button is all too available, but the promise of more energy and happiness usually does it.
It's definitely helpful to have other incentives besides overall health and appearance to motivate you to work out. It's too easy for me to rationalize my way out of it if I'm only thinking about those two things. These benefits are much more motivating.
Half the struggle with exercising is sticking with it. Although running seems like a drag, the more you do it the easier it becomes. Not to mention the endorphins are awesome!