We all know that exercise is good for us. Whether it’s hiking in nature or working out in the safe confines of your neighborhood gym, the sheer act of engaging your body in regular physical activity can significantly impact your life for the better. That being said, exercising isn’t always easy. It requires a strong commitment and an unwavering dedication that can be hard to maintain when you lack the proper incentives. To that end, here are five of the top benefits that you should always keep in mind for those moments when your motivation starts to waver:
-
Overcoming body issues
Pretty much everyone has something they don’t particularly like about their body. Some aren’t too fond about skinny arms, while others dread the sight of a flabby abdomen. Plenty of people would like to shed a couple of pounds or more. Add in the oft-ridiculous scrutiny that modern society places on the human form, a scrutiny that has led to the prevalence of disorders such as anorexia and bigorexia and it’s plain to see that growing comfortable in your own skin is a must in this day and age. Luckily, working out means taking a proactive approach towards correcting these issues, one that will translate into a healthier perspective on your own body and image.
-
Increasing your personal well-being
Not only does working out have a positive impact on your body, it also does wonders for your mind. You see, exercise leads to the release of endorphins, the chemical substances in your brains responsible for making you happy. That’s why even doctors recommend regular exercise to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and unease. The best part? You don’t necessarily have to engage in long, strenuous workout sessions, as the mind already gets a happy buzz after just 30 minutes of exercise.
-
Boosting productivity
If you lead a thoroughly sedentary lifestyle, chances are that you sometimes feel tired and sapped of energy for no good reason. That’s because your body has fallen into a physical lull, and it needs a bit of exercise to jolt it back to life. With just a few hours of training stretched out across the working week, however, your energy and stamina will increase exponentially, which will in turn help you get more things done. Thus, the time you spend working out will actually be paid back with interest as you get to make the most of your time.
-
Reducing the likelihood of illness
It’s been said before, but it bears repeating: the health benefits of working out are simply too great and all-encompassing to be ignored. Throughout millennia of evolution, the human body has historically engaged in physical activity to a much higher degree than it is doing now, so it makes sense that, as we start to go against the grain and ignore our bodies, our health also tends to deteriorate. In fact, exercise has been shown to reduce the risks of over 20 physical and mental illnesses, from heart disease and diabetes to dementia and depression.
-
Gaining notice from the opposite sex
Let’s face it: for as much good as working out is wont to do, the vast majority of us wouldn’t engage in it if it didn’t also lead to us having better odds with the opposite sex. This isn’t just about the shallow facet of seduction either. While boasting a toned body definitely doesn’t hurt, the main benefit of exercise in this regard lies in the massive confidence boost it provides. People who work out regularly learn to accept and love their bodies, which often leads to a higher self-esteem and a better perspective of one’s own value. The fact that people will also find you more attractive and crush-worthy is merely a side effect, albeit one that’s still worth mentioning.
That concludes our quick overview of the main motivational factors that everyone should be aware of in order to maintain a steady commitment towards reaching their fitness goals. Exercising may not always be the most pleasant activity in the world, but its benefits are long-lasting and far-reaching enough that it’s worth setting aside the occasional momentary discomfort for a chance at a better and happier life down the line.