It’s widely known that getting fit helps you lose weight and look more attractive. To do it, all you need is a proper exercise routine and diet. However, numerous studies have shown that there are more benefits to working out regularly, including some that are life changing.
1. You’ll Live a Longer, Healthier Life
Many products, foods, and supplements often get labelled by the media as “Fountain of Youth” items for their restorative and life-extending effects. Getting fit, however, is a proven method that extends life expectancy and reduces the number of health risks in a lifetime.
That’s right. Exercising the recommended minimum amount per week at any BMI (body mass index) level can add years to your life. In a 2012 study published in PLOS Medicine, researchers found that a physical activity level at or above the recommended minimum amount (150 minutes per week) was associated with an overall gain of 3.4 to 4.5 years of life. For individuals at a normal weight, they gained up to 7 years of life alone. At the same time, the CDC reports that doing at least 150 minutes of exercise a week reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and breast cancer in women. It also slows the loss of bone density as you age, making it less likely to experience a hip fracture or arthritis during your lifetime.
A longer, healthier life isn’t going to come from the latest “superfood” or bottle of pills. It’s going to come from getting fit. Regular exercise throughout your life can increase your golden years and make them free of common illnesses or injuries. The more time spent exercising, the more time you’ll get back to live a higher quality of life.
2. You’ll Feel Happier
Getting fit not only has many physical benefits, but numerous mental health benefits as well. The leading cause of disability in the US currently is major depressive disorder, a type of depression. It affects about 14 million adults and can develop at any age. To combat the onset of it and reduce its effects, regular exercise is highly recommended.
Harvard Health reports that in a 2005 study, it was found that walking briskly for up to 175 to 180 minutes per week has a significant impact on mild and moderate depressive symptoms. During physical activity, the body releases endorphins, a chemical that interacts with the receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain. Endorphins also spark a positive feeling throughout the body that is similar to morphine, but with no addictive properties.
Aside from depression, exercise is also known to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. So if you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, getting active may be all you need to feel happier again.
3. You’ll Have Higher Self-Esteem
Not only does getting fit makes you feel great, it’ll make you believe you are great. As it turns out, working out regularly can boost your overall self-esteem in various ways.
A 2008 study published in the Journal of Education and Human Development found that men and women’s self-esteem increased with exercise, but in different ways. For men, their level of self-esteem rose along with their level of sports competence, while women gained more self-esteem as a result of an increase in satisfaction with their own physical attractiveness.
It’s important to note that you can succeed in exercising regularly - no matter what you look like or how coordinated you are. Getting fit can help you get more in tune with your own abilities as well as help you gain more achievements. Whatever your goal may be, reaching it through exercise can help you boost your self-esteem. Now that’s something worth doing for yourself.
4. You’ll Be More Energized
Do you usually feel overworked and tired? You would think that more sleep is the solution. While it sounds beneficial, getting rid of chronic fatigue to feel more energized requires more movement, not less.
A study by the University of Georgia proved this by observing people who did not regularly exercise but had persistent fatigue. What they found was that the people who did low or moderate exercise decreased their levels of fatigue by up to 65 percent. Continued exercise, even something with a low-intensity like walking, can give you more energy over time than just sleeping alone. Imagine how great it would feel to not need a nap or hit the snooze button all the time. Devoting your time towards getting fit can pay off into more time getting things done.
Sometimes feeling extra tired may be a result of not getting the right vitamins and minerals your body needs. In that case, it’s important to consider Nutrient IV therapy or energy booster shots to keep you up and running.
5. You’ll Be Part of a Bigger Network
When it comes to getting fit, chances are you’re not alone. Many people join gyms, attend outdoor meetups, or become a part of online communities in order to socialize and get support while exercising. Even major gyms, like SoulCycle and Orange Theory, structure their fitness programs into group classes to help keep everyone motivated and inspired.
There’s a reason for encouraging camaraderie while getting fit – it can actually help you attain your fitness goals. A study by the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University found that married couples who exercised together ended up sticking with their routine longer than married people who exercised alone. Another study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that exercise habits of people close to you affect your own exercise habits. If the people around you are working to get fit and stay fit, it’s proven that you’re more likely to do the same.
While it’s possible to exercise alone and be successful at it, you may meet people along the way or want to get others to exercise with you. Either way, you’ll have more support with a network of like-minded people to encourage you.
Getting fit is a lifestyle change that requires discipline and motivation. When you consider the benefits, the pros of regular exercise clearly outweigh the cons. With so much to gain from getting fit, you have nothing to lose.
