6 Ways Exercise Can Change Your Life
It can feel very intimidating to start up an exercise routine, but the truth is that you won’t regret it. Exercise has so many benefits and will improve your life in many and varied ways. The key is trying new things and finding the form of exercise that works best for you. Whatever it is, keep it up and you’ll never feel better! Here are a few ways exercise can change your life.
1. You will be happier
It is a well-known and scientifically proven fact that exercise can massively benefit people who are suffering from depression and other mental illnesses, including anxiety. When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins cause a rush of happiness in the brain and the more you exercise, the more endorphins will go rushing into your bloodstream. As well as this, the more you exercise, the more confident you’ll become. It’s a lovely cycle in that you begin exercising, then endorphins make you happy, which makes you more confident and encourages you to keep exercising. Just stick to it and you’ll reap the rewards!
2. You will lose weight
If you’re struggling with mobility issues due to obesity, there are so many ways exercise can change your life. By losing weight, you’ll lessen the pressure on your joints, heart, and body as a whole. You’ll be able to move around easier and you will feel less self-conscious. Many overweight people can feel nervous about beginning to exercise, but as long as you stay strong and get guidance from a fitness professional, there’s no reason why you can’t exercise alongside everyone else and reap the many benefits that are on offer to you. Don’t let that weight hold you back!
3. You will have more energy
You might think that by exerting yourself more, you’ll have less energy, but the opposite is true. One of the key ways exercise can change your life is by actually giving you more energy! Moving more means your body is forced to produce more energy to ensure that you can keep up with your new routine. By continuing the habit, your body will get used to producing this extra energy and you’ll wake up with a spring in your step, even on the days that you’re not exercising. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy so that the more you do, the more energized you’ll feel! What’s not to love?
4. You will be more productive
With this extra energy, you’ll also improve your mental acuity. By exercising, you will cause your body to crave more sleep, which means that your brain will be renewed and ready to go when you wake up in the morning. By adding exercise to your routine, you’ll encourage your brain to focus more and this, alongside your added energy, will give you a massive boost in productivity both in your professional and personal life. Take your newfound energy and pile it into a fresh hobby or sport to add to your newly active life!
5. You will improve injuries
If you have certain injuries, taking up a flexibility or strength form of exercise such as Pilates or yoga may have a beneficial effect. By improving your strength and flexibility, your muscles will become more accustomed to moving, which will mean you will find all the movement you undertake on a daily basis far easier. Your muscles will also find it easier to warm up, so you’re less likely to injure yourself further if you’re doing more aggressive forms of exercise alongside yoga or Pilates. Becoming more in tune with your body will allow you to listen to it better.
6. You can meet new people
Apart from health benefits, there are many other ways exercise can change your life. Certain forms of exercise, most notably the gym and team sports, can be surprisingly social occasions. If you’re looking for a special someone or just for friends, there’s no better way to meet new people than through your new exercise routine. If you’re a little intimidated by the gym, you can sign up for an introductory group fitness course, which will allow you to meet people who are on your fitness level that you might have more in common with. If you’re interested in a particular sport, join a local amateur league to meet people you’ll have things in common with.
Whether it’s soccer or swimming, running or yoga, bringing exercise into your life will truly change it. Your health will improve; you might be able to ditch your oxygen, crutches, or disabled parking permit; and you’ll open doors that may have been previously closed to you. As long as you consult your doctor, there is no reason that you can’t make exercise a part of your life, no matter your size, fitness level, age, or physical ability. There is exercise out there for everyone, so go out there and find yours!