10 Great Benefits Of Exercise

If you’re unsure if you should make time for exercise, or whether or not exercise is actually doing you any good, read on to discover unknown benefits of regular exercise that can literally change your life and your body!

1. Better Sleep

High quality sleep reduces the your cortisol levels and overall stress

I discovered that as I started exercising, I actually went to bed much earlier, as in more around 9 p.m. and was up by 5 a.m. with tons of energy all day long. I was also sleeping better, which gave me more energy throughout my day.

2. Reduces Stress

When you exercise, you’re not only increasing your physical stamina, but you’re also activating tons of neurons in your brain that completely change how you think and handle stress. Reduced stress leads to fewer junk food cravings.

3. Self- Confidence

I never imagined exercising could actually help me feel better about myself outside of just how I viewed my body. I began writing for the first time, and also had more confidence to talk to people I didn’t know and even go to social functions alone to meet others.

4. Physical Stamina

Obviously one of the most well-known benefits to exercising is how it affects your physical abilities, but exercising provides your body with more stamina than just in the gym alone. I also had greater flexibility, which improved my joints significantly. Exercise has been proven to prevent or treat arthritis, joint pain and fatigue when done correctly.

5. No More Scales

One might think the opposite would be true, but in fact, exercising gave me such confidence in my body that a certain number no longer defined me, nor mattered to me. Learning to appreciate my body for how it fit in my clothes rather than what number it equated to was one of the most freeing things I’ve ever experienced in my life! A number does not define you, so let go of the scale obsession and experience body freedom.

6. Reduced Illness

Once I started exercising, I never got sick and the need for those yearly antibiotics pretty much went out the window. Exercising increases your body’s immunity, strength and resistance to disease. It’s the best prescription and cure-all you’ll ever find!

7. More Muscle, Less Fat

I have to admit, lean muscles were never a goal of mine when I started exercising. In fact, I always feared exercising would bulk me up. I wanted to be lean and thin, not bulky like a bodybuilder. My arms were toned, and my legs actually showed definition instead of wobbling around like they used to. I couldn’t believe I was eating more and actually looking leaner. Exercise turns on special receptors in your body that tell your muscles to burn fat, which allows your lovely little muscles to shine through, with absolutely no bulk included!

8. Appreciation For Healthy Foods

I appreciated where my food came from more and stopped buying fast food immediately. Exercising changes the way your body and mind function so that they can work together for you at the gym and at your dinner table.

9. Better Digestive System

Most people don’t start an exercise regimen to improve their digestive system, yet it is one of the first areas of your body that immediately improves. Exercise massages your inner organs and also decreases stress, which means your body becomes more regular and digests food more efficiently.

10. Body Confidence

You will actually love buying and wearing your clothes again once you start an exercise program. In fact, you’ll probably have to buy new ones since your body composition will change. Even if you don’t see results immediately, stay with your fitness program! The best changes come with time and not overnight when it comes to your body.