I should have posted this before my first post about the 99 Excuses and Exercise Ain’t 1 series. Discovering our best selves means treating our weight and body just like we do our daily hustle – what’s the point in achieving greatness if we can’t enjoy it because of health issues? You can’t be at your best without being in great physical shape – and we know this – that’s why 95-97 percent of all people all admit that they’d like to loose some weight (source: Success magazine).
Read and take action – really – get out of that chair and do something. Even 10-15 minutes of exercise gives you the following 10 added benefits – start small, dream big.
1. Increased Energy Level
Getting to our best self requires energy expenditure of the mind and body. Studies show exercise promotes increased energy levels throughout the day – so you’re still going strong when everyone else wants to give up.
2. More Brain Cells
It’s true! Exercise delivers more oxygen to the brain – promoting clearer thoughts and more creativity. Trying new exercises (hiking, swimming, dancing, etc.) also stimulates the creation of new neural pathways. Keep growing.
3. Take It Down a Notch: Stress Levels
This is my number one reason for exercising daily. Nothing, I repeat, nothing feels better than working out when I’m stressed. Nothing.
4. Get Better Sleep
Exercise requires energy – so you’re tired at night like you’re supposed to be. Sleep is underrated and overrated all at the same time (more on this is another post) – listen to your body. But one thing is for sure, exercise leads to more replenishing, restful nights of sleep.
5. Increased Swagger
One look at someone with a nice fit body and you already know – they’ve got their swagger on. Confidence is huge in life – without it, you’re not tapping the unlimited potential that lies within each of us. Exercise to feel better about your body – about yourself.
6. Fight Back: Strengthen The Immune System
The chemical and biological war that goes on in our body completely astonishes me (I did learn something in Anatomy & Physiology). Exercising is proven to strengthen your immune system to fight back against all forms of foreign invaders looking to make you feel like crap.
7. Increased Muscle Tone and Weight Control
Do I even really need to expand on this? Remember this formula: increased muscle mass (via exercise) equals faster metabolism (burn more fat daily) AND more toneage. And who doesn’t want more muscle tone?
8. Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack/Stroke
Another scientifically proven fact – decreased cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Most in my generation aren’t too worried about this – but the earlier you start the better. The healthier you are and more you exercise the less chance you have of experiencing these life threatening conditions. Happy body = happy heart.
9. The Best Anti-Depressant Around
While this could fall under the stress category – it’s important to emphasize given the wide-spread use and acceptance of anti-depressants these days. Exercise promotes mental health and releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins – the au-natural way. As I stated before – nothing – feels better than exercising when I’m stressed out – or down and out.
10. Live Longer!
Master of the obvious, I know. But people need to be reminded of the most important premise of exercising – to lengthen the quality and quantity of our days. As far as we know, we all only have one chance to make the most of every day we wake up alive. Be grateful for it – today will never come around again. So exercise – make the most of your days to make the most of your life.
