Exercising Regularly Does More Than Help You Lose Weight

The terms "weight loss" and "exercise" seem to go hand in hand. No matter where you look--if you're trying to shed pounds, chances are you're going to be told that you need to get more active to burn calories. Though working out is great for trimming down, there are a lot more benefits to being active. You'd be surprised how your entire life can be improved with just 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Here are some of the many benefits.

Makes You Happy - Working out is a natural mood-booster. This isn't just referring to how great you feel when you can see the results. Your brain actually releases “feel-good” hormones called endorphins which are responsible for giving off a sense of euphoria.

Reduces Stress - Who knew that a class at Pure Barre or spending some time (even just 10 minutes!) on the treadmill or elliptical could help you combat stress? Well, as you get that adrenaline pumping, the brain releases concentrations of norepinephrine and other chemicals that aid the brain in coping with stress.

Builds Strong Bones and Muscles - As you age you lose muscle mass, function, and bone density. Exercise can help to keep them strong. Weight training, for instance, helps muscles to absorb amino acids which are vital to reversing muscle loss. Exercises such as running, swimming, or kickboxing help to increase bone density.

Boosts Your Energy - Though you may think of working out as an energy drainer, it is quite the opposite. Engaging in high-intensity exercises that get the heart rate pumping aids the brain in releasing endorphins which are known to boost your energy levels naturally.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Illness - Heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases have many causes. However, obesity and inactivity are known to be the most common of those factors. Working out regularly helps to keep your insulin levels and blood pressure down, reducing the likelihood of developing these diseases.

Finding a Workout Routine that Works for You

You realize that regular exercise can benefit you physically and mentally, however, the idea of working out doesn't interest you. That's not uncommon as most people tend to equate exercising with heavy weight lifting, crunches, or strenuous running. Though these are all ways to get in shape, they are not your only option. The idea is to simply become active. There are plenty of exercises you can try to start meeting your goals. From walking and running around your neighborhood to playing community sports or joining a dance class, there are a lot of ways to get moving. Below are a few suggestions on how to find a workout routine that works best for you:

Talk to your doctor - Before engaging in any regular physical activity it is always a good idea to check in with your doctor. Getting a physical and having a full understanding of your current health status can help you to determine what your fitness goals should be, and more importantly, expose things you shouldn't be doing (for example, someone who suffers from high blood pressure may not be able to engage in rigorous exercises).

Research types of exercises - Do some online research to find out what kinds of exercises or physical activities there are that you can engage in. Learn more about what is involved in each activity, what fitness goals can be achieved by participating in them, and even ways to make those exercises more fun.

Determine your fitness goals - Once you have an idea of some of the exercise routines there are out there, you can determine which are best for you by aligning them with your fitness goals. Are you looking to shed pounds? If so, you would want a high-intensity exercise like aerobics, swimming, or dancing. Are you more interested in building muscle? Then, you may be more interested in trying yoga or pilates.

Try Something New - If there is a gym in your area that has exercise classes, consider trying a few. For example, taking a Zumba, kickboxing, and butt and glutes Bootcamp will give you a nice variety. Try them out for a week or two and then determine which classes you like best.

Working out should become a regular part of your daily routine. It is the best way to maintain good physical and mental health. If you've been neglecting the need to work out because you felt it was only good for weight loss, or you were turned off by the idea of having to stick to a standard exercise routine, consider the information provided above.

Whether you decide to hop around, do lunges during a walk around the park, join a gym, or participate in a dance class, as long as you're up and moving, you're doing your body and mind a great service.

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