When you think about exercise, the first thing that will probably come to mind is how it can help you lose weight and build muscle mass. But did you know that exercise saves lives as well? Not only does it help you lose that extra few pounds you’ve always wanted to get rid of, but exercise also helps you fight certain types of cancer, strengthens your bones, and improves your skin. That’s more than enough reason to get on your feet and start jogging on that treadmill.
- As you all know, exercise strengthens your muscles and burns those calories while you work out. But what you probably didn’t know is that strong muscles burn more calories even when you’re not exercising, which helps you lose weight faster. For this reason, men burn calories and lose weight faster than women because of the fact that men have more muscle mass. On a side note, strong muscles will also keep you energized. What more could you wish for?
- Ah yes, stronger bones of course! Exercise, especially walking, running, jogging, and dancing, help build bone tissue and, in turn, keeps your bones strong. Not only will exercise benefit bones, but it will lower the risk of osteoporosis, which is a horrendous bone disease.
- Exercise improves skin as well! It does this by increasing circulation in the blood stream and transferring nutrients to your skin, getting rid of toxins along the way. With blood circulation there is improved skin color as well. You’ll also find that exercise not only brings oxygen to the skin, but increases collagen. Collagen is what nourishes the skin.
- Moreover, staying physically active will decrease your heart disease and stroke risks, since exercise reduces the number of stress hormones in the body. When exercising, the heart beats at a slower pace, blood vessels relax, and blood pressure is lowered. Blood also flows more smoothly and there are fewer buildups in your arteries. If that isn’t enough, exercise strengthens your heart muscle, making it function more efficiently.
- If you have type 2 diabetes, you’ll be quite pleased to find that exercise will improve your condition by increasing insulin sensitivity, improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and reducing blood pressure.
- Better yet, exercise helps fight depression and anxiety while improving moods of those who work out. When you’re exercising, chemicals in your body called endorphins, which improve your mood, are raised. Brain chemicals are also stimulated, increasing your mood and making you feel relaxed. To top it off, you’ll look and feel great, which will also boost your self-esteem.
- Don’t want a stuffy nose? Exercise can lower the risks of getting sick with the common cold or flu. When your body is physically active, your immune system strengthens and, in turn, you’re able to prevent those icky viruses from corrupting your body.
- Your brain power will increase with exercise, since your brain’s blood flow improves and there’s an increase of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Your brain waves are raised as well, making you think faster than you did without exercise. If that’s not enough, you’ll have a better chance of preventing Alzheimer’s and senility.
- Lastly, exercise improves sleep. This in turn boosts concentration, productivity, and mood. Frequently working out will help quicken how long it takes you to fall asleep. Exercising late at night will especially work well before bed time.
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If you have anything to add I'd encourage you to voice your opinion in the comments... and if you enjoyed this post make sure to visit Christina Crowe and her readers over at Salad Sticks. Christina may also be contacted via email at (salad_sticks@yahoo.com).
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