Imagine you heard there was new medication available. As soon as you started taking it, your anxiety levels decrease. Additionally, your self-confidence improves. Furthermore, you'd have better control of your diet and what you eat and drink. That's not all, you'd be able to get more done each day as you'd become more productive. Lastly, you'd even be able to relax better and be able to wind down more.
More...
Sounds too good to be true, right? You're probably thinking there's no way one drug could achieve all that.
And you're right.
It's not a drug, it's exercise.
The exercise habit
Some of us exercise at least 5 or 6 times a week. It might be a priority in your life and it can be hard to imagine what it's like to be someone who doesn't train on a regular basis.
However, lots of people don't work out regularly. They're the people who really do need motivation and a reason to exercise.
When we look at the statistics, 85% of Australians don't meet the fitness guidelines. I'm sure we all have friends and family who struggle to form the exercise habit, if not ourselves.
The following 5 benefits of exercise occur as soon as anyone starts training.
Focusing on these benefits at the start of your fitness journey can help cement your exercise habit.
Adult Australians who don't meet fitness guidelines
Instant Benefits of Exercise
Exercise reduces stress levels and helps to alleviate anxiety
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. These hormones create a feeling of happiness and euphoria within you. Even when it comes to clinical depression, studies show exercise can alleviate symptoms.
Remember, movement is medicine.
Exercise improves our confidence and self-esteem
When people start exercising, they feel better about themselves. We know that this happens as soon as they begin.
Man or woman, young or old, fat or thin, doesn't matter. The benefits are universal. Regardless of how we are when we start, physical activity immediately gives us a more positive self-image.
Our levels of self-esteem increase.
Exercise assists in controlling food addiction
'Food addiction' might seem a little strong. But you know the feeling, when you crave sweet, sugary foods and treats.
Exercise stimulates our body to release dopamine into our bloodstream. That's the 'reward' hormone we associate with pleasure. If we get it from physical activity, our bodies won't crave it from sugary junk food.
Exercise improves our ability to relax
Strenuous physical activity helps release tension and nervous energy from our muscles.
The effects can be quite profound. For some, even moderate exercise sessions provide the same effect as a sleeping tablet. Even in the cases of people suffering with insomnia.
Yes, exercise is that powerful.
Lastly, exercise makes us more productive, allowing us to get more done
Research shows that employees who exercise regularly are more productive. They get more done during the working day than those colleagues who sit at their desks all day. Additionally, they also have more energy.
So what does this mean for you and how can you use this information?
We know that staying motivated as they begin to exercise is a challenge for people. Most people focus on the aesthetic benefits and can become demoralized if they don't see changes straightaway.
Instead, it might help if we focus on these immediate benefits. That way, we can get instant gratification and know that each tough workout is worthwhile.
Remember, even 20 minutes of moderate exercise can provide us with long-term health gains and provide these 5 immediate benefits.
