Everyone knows they need to exercise, but typically, people have one goal in mind: lose weight. What if I told you that exercise can do so much more than shrink your waistline? Regular exercise contributes to your health in so many ways, it should be a no-brainer for anyone looking to get healthy.
Let’s talk about the physical health benefits of working out. One of the main reasons people work out is for weight management. Regular exercise, along with a healthy diet, can help you control your weight. Along with your weight, regular cardio like walking, jogging, swimming, and hiking can increase your cardiovascular (heart & lung) health. Cardio and strength training together can also improve your immune function and lead to a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
You know that rush of endorphins, or feel-good hormones, you get after you work out? That’s just the beginning of the mental health benefits of regular exercise. Over time, regular exercise can lead to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even if you don’t have depression or anxiety, exercise can improve your mood and overall sense of wellbeing. You’ll also notice a reduction in stress and better cognitive performance when you exercise regularly.
Anyone who has done a mindfulness practice knows that physical and mental health are inextricably linked. Regular physical activity helps combat stress, thus improving sleep habits, which leads to better health. It can also boost self-esteem, which makes life easier, especially when it comes to continuing to make healthy decisions for yourself. How you think directly impacts how you treat your body and, over time, how your body treats you. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your mental and physical health.
While many know exercise is important, not many feel confident getting started. After all, getting started can be the hardest part. Here are a few tips for starting an exercise routine:
Getting up and moving is essential for living a happy, healthy life. You can start by walking for 15-20 minutes every day, increasing to 30 minutes a day as you adjust to your new routine. Every little bit helps, and as you get stronger, the momentum will carry you into exercising more. However you choose to incorporate exercise into your routine, you’ll be feeling better before you know it!
