The Hidden Benefits of Exercise

Did you hear about all the ways that exercising benefits you and your life?

I know before I talked about how it helps you sleep, and I know you already know that exercising is good for you, but why? I love learning interesting facts like these, especially when I'm in my rut of no-motivation as the cold weather approaches. These are thanks to Fitness Magazine. Here are your words & facts of inspiration to get a move on, enjoy!

*As little as 30 minutes of cardio 3-5 days a week will add SIX YEARS to your life!*


INSTANT BENEFITS
As you work out:

• Your lungs are getting stronger
• Your motivation is at its peak (endorphins make you feel psyched and energized!)
• You're fighting flab

Within one hour of exercise:

• You're protecting yourself against colds, flu...BEING SICK! *Every sweat session you do can help strengthen your immune function for about 24 hours!*
• You're feeling zen (apparently, the feeling that you get is "Stress? What stress?")
• Fit Tip: Do intervals! *Women who did interval training in a recent study had a bigger boost in mood immediately following their workout than those who worked out at a steady pace*
• You're blasting calories, even when you're resting
• Fit Tip: Strength train at least twice a week so you will turbo charge your metabolism so you'll continue to burn calories for up to 38 hours
• *Immediate food fix for after you work out and you feel light-headed or even nauseated: a banana, half a bagel or any high-carb food will refuel you.*

POST-WORKOUT BENEFITS
Within one day of exercise:

• You're adding lean muscle
• Your heart is healthier
• You're a quick study (You're super alert and focused post-exercise. Hel-lo finals!)
• Fit Tip: *After a workout is the perfect time to memorize a speech or tackle a tough project!*

Within one week of regular exercise:

• Your risk of diabetes goes down
• You're slimmer (duh)

LONG TERM BENEFITS:

• You're getting stronger
• Fit Tip: Once you can do 15 reps a set, switch to a weight that's 2 pounds heavier and go back to 10 reps. Then work your way back up to 15 again and repeat the process.
• You're blasting belly fat. *After 4 weeks of regular workouts, your body is ditching flab and gaining muscle! Overweight people who took part in a 4 week program in an Australian study reduced ab flat by 12%!*
• *To trim your tummy, do fewer crunches and more planks*
• You've got more brainpower

WIthin one year of regular exercise:

• Working out is way easier (your endurance can more than double in one year!)
• Your heart rate is lower (your heart is pumping more efficiently)
• You're a fat-melting machine (woah)
• You've cut your cancer risk
• You're adding years to your life!
• You feel fantastic :)

See you at the gym!


Now ya heard, spread the word.