Do you love to exercise, hate it or just do it maybe grumbling because you think you should?
Exercise or movement seems to be something people really love or they prefer to avoid.
I am hoping to help empower, inspire and motivate you no matter where you fall on that exercise spectrum.
Full disclosure, I have taught a HIIT Bootcamp style exercise class since 2010 and I do love to exercise. Exercise has always been a big part of my life.
Listen in or read on below for 4 health reasons to exercise that may not be obvious.
Strengthens your muscles and bones.
So, you may have thought of this one but there’s more.
As we age osteopenia and osteoporosis are concerns for both men and women. 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50 will be diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Regularly doing weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, aerobics and weightlifting is very important for strengthening your bones.
Here’s a little inspiration for building muscle.
My mom was 74 years old when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. I was blessed to be able to help take care of her.
My mom weighed a little more than I did. Due to the cancer she had to use a walker because the motor skills in her right leg and arm were weakened by the cancer in her brain.
Up until her diagnosis my mom went to water aerobics class twice a week and hiked on the weekends with her friends. She lived in Colorado. From experience I can tell you she didn’t attend wimpy water aerobics classes.
Her arms, legs and core were strong due to her regular exercise. Thank God as she was able to help me when I needed to move her. I would have needed others to help if she had not been so strong. This also enabled her to be able to do more on her own longer.
I’m sure none of us want to be a burden to our loved ones if we can help it.
Help you get better sleep.
Exercise helps both your quality and your quantity of sleep.
Your quality of sleep is improved because you will spend more time in deep sleep which is when your body is physically repairing itself.
When you sleep your body also repairs mentally. You have probably noticed a difference when you have had a good night’s sleep.
You are able to function better emotionally and mentally the next day. Things don’t upset you as easily as when you have not slept well the night before.
When you exercise this also helps reduce your stress levels significantly. Stressful thoughts are typically what keep you awake at night.
It is best to finish your exercise at least an hour and a half before bedtime to help you get optimal sleep. Otherwise, your adrenaline flowing may keep you awake.
Improves Your Memory and Brain Function.
Exercise has actually been shown to reduce changes in the brain that may lead to Alzheimer’s.
When you exercise it increases the blood flow and oxygen to move throughout your whole body. This may also help produce hormones that enhance the growth of brain cells. Who doesn’t want more brain cells?
Exercise may help with mental function as we age, because it has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus which is vital for your memory and learning.
You May Create Healthier Habits.
That’s right! When you start exercising regularly you also may start eating healthier.
You may quit smoking, if you do.
You may make sleep a priority.
You may make yourself a priority.
This is called a transfer effect.
Where learning to improve in one area of your life will create a desire to improve in another area of your life.
After all, you are doing all that hard work exercising, you may realize that giving your body more nutritious food, sleeping more and prioritizing yourself will help you reach your health and life goals more quickly.
Experts say you should exercise at least 30 minutes a day but you will still receive the same benefits of exercising even if you break it up into smaller amounts of time to fit in your schedule.
When you exercise it will energize you and you may be more productive so you can work on those things you have been wanting to do.
Exercise will improve the quality and the quantity of your years. If you are not exercising regularly then start slow. Pick something you enjoy as you will be more inclined to do it.
Make it more fun and do it with friends.
Do you love to exercise or would you rather not? What is your favorite form of exercise?
Let me know in the comments below or shoot me an
email - sheri@empoweredhealthcoaching.com I would love to hear.
Live life empowered!
Exercise definitely helps with stress! Stress and overwhelm keeps you from living your best life! Here's a free guide to help you reduce stress: 5 Tips to Reduce Your Stress
Sheri Johnson is a certified Transformational Holistic Health and Life Coach in the Central Florida area. She believes everyone deserves an amazing healthy, balanced life, full of energy and feeling fantastic! When you get back on track in life and feel like yourself again then you can easily step into who you truly want to be, living out your purpose, passion and what you were called here to do.
If you are ready to decrease stress and overwhelm while creating balance in your body, mind and spirit then please check out her website and book a free strategy session with her below.
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