Everybody knows that exercise is good for you. Hardly anyone does it just because they think it’s fun – most people would be delighted if they were suddenly able to give up their gym membership without having to worry about gaining another pound. But have you ever thought about the other benefits to keeping fit? Sometimes it’s easy to go along with what everyone else says because it seems to work for them, but you’ve maybe been overlooking the subtle improvements in your life that can be traced back to your fit and healthy body.
One: Better Mood
Even when you’re stressed and sweating during a tough workout, the chemicals released in your brain during exercise help to improve your mood. Often doctors suggest taking up exercise to alleviate some symptoms of depression. It might be a trick the body uses in order to reward you for keeping it healthy, or maybe to distract you from the ache of consistent strain. Also, the physical difference engaging in cardio or lifting weights can make could improve a person’s self-esteem. Whether you’re a body builder who’s in need of the best whey protein or a keen runner, either way, it is widely accepted that a moving body is a happy one.
Apart from the immediate effects of pushing your body to its limits, exercise can brighten the rest of your day simply because you can be proud that you did it. Those who manage to wake up early and attend the gym – even on days when they would rather be tucked up in bed – are more likely to continue their productive streak throughout the day. The simple act of sticking to a self-imposed routine can greatly improve your overall attitude about yourself as a person, boosting your self-esteem. And when you feel better about yourself, you’ll be sure to feel good in other aspects of life.
Two: Better Sex Life
This applies in a variety of ways. To begin with it’s important to note how beneficial sex is for your health. A number of reasons contribute to this. People who share close bodily proximity with others are more likely to develop a strong immune system from exchanging saliva. Much like people who have pets from an early age developing fewer allergies than those who don’t, people who have sex unwittingly guard their bodies from things like stomach bugs and colds. Since keeping fit means a stronger body, it follows that the more exercise you do the better you are at sex. It’s a positive cycle of reward where you train your body while working at the gym and while spending a romantic weekend with your partner. Your stronger body and improved heart rate will allow you to have sex for longer without aching joints or breathlessness.
Three: Longer Life Expectancy
There is so much in life that people wish they could control but simply can’t. Unexpected illness, accidental injury and sudden causes of stress can take their toll on the lifespan of a person. Don’t let this discourage you, however. Focus on the elements of life that you can control, such as your diet and fitness. By paying attention to the needs of your body you will be able to enjoy it for longer. Cars that are left to rust are harder to recover. Keep your body in good working shape so that as you age, you delay the decline of your health. If your body is left unused for too long, it will become complacent and unable to perform various tasks, such as carrying objects above a certain weight or travel under its own steam for extended periods of time. It may sound cliché, but use it or lose it. Your body needs to be kept running – figuratively and somewhat literally – for it to last longer. Your exercise regime might be tiring you out on the weekends but as you grow older you’ll soon realize how effective all those hours at the gym were at postponing the aging process. Who doesn’t want to be young for longer?
Four: The Little Things that Make a Huge Difference (Once You Notice Them)
Do you no longer get tired when carrying heavy things up and down the stairs? Can you open that lid which was too tight before? Are you feeling more energetic and have more time for fun activities after work? A good fitness routine will always improve even the smallest aspects of your life, even if you don’t see them right away. The current technology of today’s society is largely designed for comfort and leisure. Humans no longer have natural predators and have carved themselves a safe, pleasant spot at the top of the food chain. This means people’s bodies are not put to the use they were once built for. To avoid letting your muscles and health go to waste it’s vital that you recognize the small details that make your tiring trips to the gym so worth it. If humans were designed for a life of hunting and surviving harsh climates, then today’s human is overly catered for. Let yourself enjoy the wonders of this amazing age of science, technology, food and fun. Just don’t let your fitness slip by the wayside.
Five: Your Social Life
Part one talked about the positive effects fitness can have on your self-esteem. Feeling good about yourself lets you relax more in front of others, meaning you are able to make better connections with other people. Many sports require teams and the process of meeting up every week for a game can create strong bonds between the players. Your happiness chemicals are heightened, and you make positive associations with the people around you. Chances are if you’re a regular gym-goer you’ll have spotted one or two – or more – people who seem familiar but you’ve yet to say hello. Why not approach them with a compliment on their sneakers? You already have a common interest in fitness so you might find more to chat about over lunch.
There are so many ways being fit can improve your life. Even with a sweaty forehead and tired feet you’ll feel happier, sexier, you’ll live longer, and you’ll make more friends. What’s not to love about exercise?
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