The Benefits of Keeping Active
You probably know all the excuses for not exercising. Unfortunately, these
excuses often outweigh every motivation you have to go to the gym, climb on your
bike, or jog around the block. So when you start thinking up excuses, remember
these benefits of working out. Some are obvious, others are less so. But they'll
all help you battle the excuses.
Increased Athleticism
Fitness results in better coordination of muscles, and an increase in strength,
flexibility and stamina. While improvements in these areas certainly help
athletic performance, they also help reduce the risk of injury: Stronger, limber
muscles are less susceptible to strain and sprain.
Better Posture
Poor posture is a major cause of injury, and often leads to big problems later
in life. Exercising in proper form promotes better posture, as well as the
strengthening and stretching of muscles that help you stand up straight.
Fat Loss
Aerobic and strengthening exercises can result is weight loss when combined with
a calorie-reducing diet. Without exercise, dieting can cause the loss of muscle
as well as fat. An aerobic exercise regimen burns fat, while building muscle.
This may mean less dramatic weight loss, but since muscle tissue burns more
calories than fat tissue, the result is longer lasting.
Improved Heart Health
Though the symptoms of heart disease may not surface until middle age, the onset
of disease can start taking place as early as the teens. Exercising for 20 to 30
minutes three times a week can reverse years of cardio-neglect. In fact,
consistent, regular exercise actually strengthens the heart, resulting in more
blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. At the same time, aerobic exercise
lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both major health risks for many
Americans.
Heightened Self Image
A fitness regimen offers many psychological benefits, but the biggest payoff
comes from an improved self image. Achieving fitness goals leads to self
confidence, improved body image, self awareness and esteem. Athletes often
recount the first time they surpassed what they believed the limit of their
skills, and how this affected their opinions of themselves. In addition, the
discipline necessary to accomplish personal fitness goals can have a positive
effect on your professional career.
Social Benefits
Many diet fads claim radical social benefits with a "better body." While it's
shallow and potentially disappointing to expect a trim figure will change your
life, people involved in activities they enjoy and who have a positive self
image often show an ease in social situations. Ultimately, it's the betterment
of your confidence, not your waistline, that leads to improved social life.
Intellectual Gains
The reasons aren't entirely understood, but several theories promote the effects
of discipline and self confidence gained through working out. Fitness also helps
the immune system, meaning better work performance, and fewer missed days of
work and school. Exercise increases blood and oxygen flow throughout the body,
including the brain. This may explain why studies have shown that those who
exercise react more quickly to stimulus than their less fit counterparts,
pointing to a possible link between motor and intellectual skills.
Enjoyment
You may forget that the most important reason for fitness is because you enjoy
it. People often mention weight control, feeling "better," and gaining strength
as priorities for working out. But you won't lose weight, get strong, or feel
"better" if you can't find motivation to exercise. One way to increase enjoyment
is to try several different things, or find a new workout location.