Need some motivation to exercise? Here are five good reasons to get moving:
General health. Exercise has multiple health benefits, including promoting long-term health by controlling weight, strengthening the heart, improving digestion and sleep, and lowering blood pressure. Exercise also boosts energy and improves your outlook on life. It isn’t necessary to engage in extremely rigorous exercise, but it is important to incorporate exercise into your schedule each day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity.
Muscle building. Exercise can help you strengthen your muscles, which may increase overall stamina and allow you to engage in more activities. Without sufficient movement, muscles may atrophy, or waste away, from lack of use.
Flexibility. Exercise and motion can improve flexibility. Too often, people are injured because they strain a muscle group or a joint that is seldom used. To increase flexibility, stretch on a regular basis. A long, strenuous stretching session isn’t necessary. A little bit of stretching every day, along with regular exercise, will help you feel more limber and more open to regular movement.
Avoiding sedentary boredom. For many, the value of exercise is that it helps avoid a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to boredom and poor physical habits. Exercise can be fun and can help you connect with others socially. What’s more, according to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
A better mood. There are plenty of distractions that can get you down on a daily basis. Exercise does require effort and energy, but those who exercise on a regular basis tend to be more relaxed and happier about life. Exercise can help you feel better about yourself overall, and because exercise also can help improve physical appearance, you may feel better about how you look.
