17 REASONS TO WORK OUT THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH WEIGHT LOSS

Following a long, cold winter and hot weather weight loss is at the top of everyone’s mind. focusing too much on weight loss alone can actually have negative health consequences (i.e., exercise addiction, injury, workout burnout, etc.).

Look, we all know that exercise can help you lose weight. We know it can build muscle. We know you get stronger, leaner, more toned . . . but did you know that exercise can clear your skin? Prevent osteoporosis? Improve your sex life?

Adding consistent workouts (of any kind!) into your daily routine can truly revolutionize your life. Here are some of the incredible, life-extending benefits you'll reap from physical fitness.

 

• EXERCISE INFLATES SELF WORTH
  

Many of us believe that shedding a bunch of unwanted pounds or sculpting a killer set of abs in time for bikini season is the key to higher self esteem. However, a study published by the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that exercise actually works its magic on our insides first—and emanates outwards.

Participants who exercise regularly reported higher self-worth, lower body image issues, fewer negative thoughts about themselves, and greater levels of confidence, which positively impacted all areas of life (i.e., work, social, and personal life).

• GROW YOUR BRAIN

Exercise stimulates neural and mental development, even in aging brains. It show increased grey matter and sharpened motor skills after learning a new workout, as training your body can simultaneously train your mind.

• HAVE MORE ENERGY 

 In addition to reaping the benefits of better, more-restful sleep, exercise itself can boost energy and fight fatigue.
 

• HAVE A HEALTHY OUTLET FOR STRESS 

 For many people, pounding the pavement for a run, jumping in the pool and going for a swim, or hitting the studio and taking a dance class is a natural release for general stress. It can even take the place of destructive emotional stress-eating.

• LOWER CHOLESTEROL 

 One of the benefits of weight management and a stronger heart is lowered cholesterol, meaning less chance of heart attack.

• GET BETTER

 The increased blood flow from your healthy heart will help "flush cellular debris" and can even clear up acne and eczema. The relieved stress should help give your visage a nice glow, too.
 

• BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM    

 Moderate exercise improves immune function; just make sure to take your rest days, because too much intense exercise can actually be detrimental to your health.

• LIVE LONGER 

The fountain of youth? It's exercise, of course! A study showed an association between weight lifting and living longer.

• KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG 

 By exercising consistently, you'll maintain solid bone density, which can prevent osteoporosis.

• FEEL LESS PAIN

Aerobic training increased pain tolerance. More gainz, less painz.

 

• PHYSICAL ACTIVITY NATURALLY SOOTHES PAIN 

The best way to overcome chronic pain is to get moving. In fact, the medical researchers recommend moderate and gentle daily exercise (i.e., walking or swimming) for both the short- and long-term management of pain. 

 
While you may find activity difficult if you suffer from chronic pain, physical activity is key to managing your underlying condition, and to making life more comfortable.

• TREAT DEPRESSION

 Exercise, combined with meditation, has proven an effective treatment for depression, with similar results to anti-depressants. New neural cell growth stimulated by exercise counteracts the suppression of said growth brought on by depression.
 

• BOOST YOUR MOOD 

The endorphins released from exercise will give you a surge of energy and a healthy mood-boost. You'll be feeling all the happy feels in no time.
 

• SLEEP BETTER

 Working out at the end of the day can send you into a sound slumber.If you're struggling with insomnia and restlessness, exercise could be the cure.

• HAVE BETTER SEX

 Speaking of stress relief . . . The mood boost and de-stressing from exercise will improve your drive, and your increased strength will improve stamina.
 

• STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART 

 Your cardiovascular system will reap the benefits of routine fitness. You'll have a lowered, healthier blood pressure, better blood flow (so, healthier cells!), and a more regulated temperature. You'll also be better able to flush toxins out of the body thanks to increased circulation.