Active in August
Active August is back baby! Last year, we introduced ways you could start to introduce exercise into your life, with a slight emphasis on the benefits. This year, let focus on the benefits of being active (and by active...I mean the sometimes dreaded 'e' word.....exercise).
The benefits are many, and we certainly don't want to bombard you...so lets concentrate on five good reasons as to why you should be active in your life....
It Can Make You Feel Happier
Exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress - it produces changes in the parts of the brain that regulate stress and anxiety. It can also increase brain sensitivity for the hormones serotonin, which can relieve the feelings of depression.
Exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings - it doesn't matter how intense your workout is.....your mood can benefit from any sort of exercise (so take your pick...boxing cardio, or yoga...either way, you will feel the benefits from it)
Note to self; Exercising regularly can improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
It Can Help With Weight Loss
Some studies have shown that inactivity can play a factor in weight gain and obesity – but for us to understand the effect of exercise has on weight reduction, it is important to understand the balance between exercise and energy.
Our bodies uses energy in three ways: digesting food, exercising and maintaining body functions..such as your heartbeat and breathing! Sometimes, just by lowering your calorie intake isn't enough....but in conjunction with regular exercise you will burn more calories and help you lose weight.
Note to self; Exercise is crucial to supporting a fast metabolism and burning more calories per day. It also helps you maintain your muscle mass and weight loss.
It Is Good for Your Muscles and Bones
Exercise plays a vital role in building and maintaining strong muscles and bones.
Physical activity like lifting weights lifting can stimulate muscle building when paired with a balanced protein diet - this is because exercise helps release hormones that boost the ability of your muscles to absorb amino acids (this helps them grow and reduces any breakdown).
As people age, they tend to lose muscle mass and function - which can lead to injuries (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). Practicing regular physical activity is necessary in reducing muscle loss and maintaining strength as you age. Fun fact....exercise helps build bone density when you're younger, in addition to helping prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Note to self; Physical activity helps build muscles and strong bones and may also help prevent osteoporosis.
It Can Increase Your Energy Levels
Exercise can be a real energy booster for healthy people, as well as those suffering from various medical conditions.....it can significantly increase energy levels for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and other serious illnesses.
Note to self; Regular physical activity can increase your energy levels. This is true even in people with persistent fatigue and those suffering from serious illnesses.
It Can Help Skin Health
Your skin can be affected by the amount of oxidative stress in your body - oxidative stress occurs when the body's antioxidant defenses cannot completely repair the damage that free radicals cause to cells. This can damage their internal structures and deteriorate your skin....(okay I have a small confession...I did actually have to google this bit).
Regular moderate exercise can help increase your body's production of natural antioxidants, which help protect cells. #winning. Exercise can also stimulate blood flow and induce skin cell adaptations that can help delay the appearance aging #doublewinning #isthatevenahastag
Note to self; Moderate exercise can provide antioxidant protection and promote blood flow, which can protect your skin and delay signs of aging.
So that wraps up our list of benefits of being active – we hope we've put forward a convincing and compelling argument....and would like to close with the following statement from Miss Elle Woods from Legally Blonde - “Exercise gives your endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands.” Snaps to you Elle....snaps to you!