The development of modern technology has many benefits, and today, most of the work we do is from the office while sitting in a comfortable chair next to our computers. However, this lifestyle is not pleasant for our body because our body requires, seeks, and needs movement. But, unfortunately, it does not end here. Most people are spending their free time sitting or lying (mostly in front of the TV), which has a negative effect on our energy, the physical appearance of our body, and our overall health. To make things even worst, not a day goes by without us reaching for at least one unhealthy meal.
Recent studies showed that even the slightest physical activity brings real and significant benefits to our body. One study conducted on about 8,000 people showed that just 30 minutes of light physical activity a day reduces the chances of premature death by as much as 17%.
Maybe someone is already exercising because they love it, or perhaps they are well on their way to start liking it, but if you are still looking for a push in the right direction, here is a little help, and for those who need more info on how to train or are in need of workout clothes, check Born Tough, and find everything one could want or need.
Exercising is not just a way to lose a few pounds – it is also one of the most effective ways to improve both physical and mental health. Here’s how physical activity affects us:
1. Improves memory and thinking skills
Aerobic exercises, those that raise your heart rate enough to sweat well, improve our ability to remember. Training regularly is one of the best ways to preserve brain function, concentration, and memory.
2. Raises self-confidence
Not only because after a few weeks of exercising, one will notice that their body is in much better shape, but also because everyone who exercises will realize that they are much stronger than before. Also, there will be an improvement in what someone can do, which was not possible before or, at least, they didn’t think it was possible. Another thing is that as you progress with your training, that progress will be pretty noticeable, more precisely, how many new exercises you will be able to do accurately. It will do wonders for your stamina and endurance.
The gym is also one of the few places in this world where, if you make an effort, progress is guaranteed, which also works wonders for self-confidence.
3. Reduces stress
We can all agree that everyone is under so much stress these days, but whatever worries that someone may have, when you train and sweat well, you will feel at least a little better. Exercise allows you to “reset” yourself nicely and see problems from a different perspective. Compare it to good night sleep, how many times did we hear or said that all we need is a good night sleep to clear our mind and think of the best solution for some problem? It is the same with physical activity – it clears up the view on some difficulty.
4. Reduces the risk of chronic diseases
People who exercise live longer, and more importantly, are live a healthier life. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and colon cancer, among others. Just half an hour of exercise, even walking at a slightly faster pace, is an excellent prevention of many chronic diseases.
5. Preserves bone density
This one is especially important for women, whose bone density decreases more with age than for men. Fortunately, both men and women can prevent that with regular physical activity several times a week. Stretching is also necessary as it increases the flexibility of joints.
6. Boosts energy
At first glance, this probably doesn’t seem logical to some people, especially for those who are just getting ready to start exercising, but after a few workouts, all this would make a lot of sense.
Shortly after training, there are probably, ten minutes of indescribable physical fatigue, but after that, on the way home and maybe after a few steps, you will feel as light as a feather. When that happens, just imagine what will happen after a few weeks. Carrying bags from the store will suddenly become much lighter, and the steps less steep, and then you will realize that your life has gotten better.
7. Encourages creativity
Yes, regular exercise and training will make everyone smarter in the sense of creativity. It boosts imagination because it encourages the creation of new neural pathways in the brain, which makes learning and problem-solving tasks more natural and more efficient.
8. Builds muscle mass
Of course, this one needs to be on the list because most of us want to have the best possible figure, but that is not everything. The more muscle mass we have, the faster the metabolism, which means that we are burning more calories while exercising, as well as while resting, and isn’t that what we all want? But to get to that point, one first needs to determine the best workouts, and then, no matter how tough it gets, there is no giving up – surrender is not an option.
9. Burns fat
Obesity is a modern age disease and a consequence of the new, accelerated way of life. It affects both sexes equally, and it is more and more pronounced in the younger population. Fat and overweight are some of the most common reasons that lead people to go to the gym and start training.
Accumulated adipose tissue is much more than an aesthetic problem. If left untreated, it can cause long-term and severe health problems. And here, too, the old rule applies: the longer we ignore the problem, it gets more complicated to solve it. That is why exercise, with small changes in diet, is the only way to lose weight so that they never come back.
10. Improves mood
To explain shortly, working out stimulates the secretion of endorphins, the hormone of happiness, which makes us more positive, with less anger and hostility.
Final thoughts
Let your primary motivation be the fact that it really takes a little effort to improve your overall health significantly. Changing daily routines is a demanding process, but once you adopt healthy habits, you will notice the first benefits after just a few days.