You probably know all the excuses for not
exercising. Unfortunately, these excuses often outweigh
every motivation you have to go to the gym, climb on your
bike, or jog around the block. So when you start thinking up
excuses, remember these benefits of working out. Some are
obvious, others are less so. But they'll all help you battle
the excuses.
Increased Athleticism
Fitness results in better coordination of muscles, and an
increase in strength, flexibility and stamina. While
improvements in these areas certainly help athletic
performance, they also help reduce the risk of injury:
Stronger, limber muscles are less susceptible to strain and
sprain.
Better Posture
Poor posture is a major cause of injury, and often leads to
big problems later in life. Exercising in proper form
promotes better posture, as well as the strengthening and
stretching of muscles that help you stand up straight.
Fat Loss
Aerobic and strengthening exercises can result is weight
loss when combined with a calorie-reducing diet. Without
exercise, dieting can cause the loss of muscle as well as
fat. An aerobic exercise regimen burns fat, while building
muscle. This may mean less dramatic weight loss, but since
muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, the
result is longer lasting.
Improved Heart Health
Though the symptoms of heart disease may not surface until
middle age, the onset of disease can start taking place as
early as the teens. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes three
times a week can reverse years of cardio-neglect. In fact,
consistent, regular exercise actually strengthens the heart,
resulting in more blood and oxygen flow throughout the body.
At the same time, aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure and
cholesterol levels, both major health risks for many
Americans.
Heightened Self Image
A fitness regimen offers many psychological benefits, but
the biggest payoff comes from an improved self image.
Achieving fitness goals leads to self confidence, improved
body image, self awareness and esteem. Athletes often
recount the first time they surpassed what they believed the
limit of their skills, and how this affected their opinions
of themselves. In addition, the discipline necessary to
accomplish personal fitness goals can have a positive effect
on your professional career.
Social Benefits
Many diet fads claim radical social benefits with a
"better body." While it's shallow and potentially
disappointing to expect a trim figure will change your life,
people involved in activities they enjoy and who have a
positive self image often show an ease in social situations.
Ultimately, it's the betterment of your confidence, not your
waistline, that leads to improved social life.
Intellectual Gains
The reasons aren't entirely understood, but several theories
promote the effects of discipline and self confidence gained
through working out. Fitness also helps the immune system,
meaning better work performance, and fewer missed days of
work and school. Exercise increases blood and oxygen flow
throughout the body, including the brain. This may explain
why studies have shown that those who exercise react more
quickly to stimulus than their less fit counterparts,
pointing to a possible link between motor and intellectual
skills.
Enjoyment
You may forget that the most important reason for fitness is
because you enjoy it. People often mention weight control,
feeling "better," and gaining strength as
priorities for working out. But you won't lose weight, get
strong, or feel "better" if you can't find
motivation to exercise. One way to increase enjoyment is to
try several different things, or find a new workout
location. Following
some simple fitness do's and don'ts will help keep your
workout from becoming a chore.
|
