Some Motivation to get moving, and keep moving
Written by Shana McCarthy
Exercise is a great mood enhancer. It feels like you are burning off stress, and you are. Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than before you worked out.
Also, because you will look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, it can boost your self confidence and esteem. Exercise even has been proven to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Exercise helps to combat chronic diseases. Regular exercise can help you prevent or manage high blood pressure. Exercise also helps cholesterol levels by increasing the high density lipoproteins (HDL - “good cholesterol”), and decreasing the low density lipoproteins (LDL - “bad” cholesterol). This combination keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Regular exercise can also help to prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. In fact studies have shown a 60% decrease in risk for breast cancer. There are two ovarian hormones, Estradiol, and progesterone, linked to breast cancer tumors. Production of these hormones is lowered by exercise. Also, a womens body is more susceptible to these hormones during the time between ovulation & menstruation. Habitual exercise can actually delay ovulation until later in the menstrual cycle. This reduces the time she must fight these hormones. Fat has long been a known catalyst in the production of estrogen (estradiol). Regular exercise burns fat, thus decreasing the rate of estrogen production.
Managing your weight is another benefit. When you exercise, you burn calories, the higher the intensity of the exercise the more calories you burn. It is good if you can set up time for yourself everyday to exercise. If you get asked to something or schedule something within that time, say no. If you treat it like an appointment, you won't feel guilty saying no to other things.
On an everyday basis it is also good to create as much activity as possible so that you are burning extra calories regardless. Decide to take the stairs or walk during your lunch break. Try not to sit unless you really need to, and pay attention to your posture no matter what position you are in. Especially tightening up the abdominal muscles or core muscles, this not only looks good, forces your back to be straighter, and protects the lower back muscles from getting overused and strained, but also doing this throughout the day will help to tighten your core permanently. Practicing extra calorie burning practices throughout the day will keep you more alert, sharp, and energized as well. Also, you may actually be tired when its time to sleep, so you will get a better nights sleep. Exercising regularly has been proven to help you fall asleep faster, and get more deep sleep. By the way, waking up refreshed will have you geared up right from the start to make all kinds of good decisions throughout the day, from exercise to choosing healthier foods (when your tired your body tends to crave high sugar foods that will leave you feeling more sluggish later).
Regular exercise helps the whole cardiovascular system by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the bodies tissues. This helps your heart and lungs to work more efficiently, leaving you with more energy to do the things you enjoy.
Exercise can also help to improve your sex life. Not only because exercise leaves you more energized, as well as feeling and looking better, but also because exercise increases your circulation, sex can be more enjoyable and satisfying. Also, men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction, especially as they get older.
Here are some additional benefits to keep you motivated. Exercise also, improves digestion, improves body shape, tones and firms muscles, enables weight loss and keeps it off, increases flexibility, increases lean muscle tissue, which in turn burns extra calories, just by it being there, alleviates menstrual cramps, enhances coordination and balance, improves posture, reduces joint discomfort, may add a few years to your life, increases range of motion, enhances immune system, detoxifies the body, improves liver function, helps to alleviate varicose veins, and makes calcium transport in the heart and body more efficiently.
I would like to add that any exercise is extremely beneficial, but it is important to make sure you are exercising with correct form and function, so as not to cause any injury. Injury will make it impossible for you to exercise at all, so it is important to do your homework on correct form of any exercises you are choosing to do on your own. A great way to get and stay motivated at the gym, is to partake in the fitness classes offered at most gyms, or book some appointments with a trainer. These classes increase your motivation because of the energy of the group, but also are taught by instructors who will advise you on correct form. If you are new to a particular class or activity, try to get there early and mention any questions or conce
s with the instructor, and let them know you are new to that class. The instructors are there to guide and motivate you, and it is a beautiful thing. Most important though is to find a form of exercise that makes you happy while you are doing it. If you enjoy fresh air, or looking at the water, get outside, head to the beach for a run or walk. Signing up for dance classes is a nice way to get something different into your relationship as well as burn lots of calories, and you may even learn something. We also have some great scenic hiking areas in ct, jump online to find one that looks good to you. Whatever it is that will get you moving, do it, your body and mind will thank you!
inneressencespa.com
Article author
About the Author
Shana McCarthy, owner Inner Essence Spa & Wellness Center Orange CT, Has been a licensed massage therapist for 10 yrs, a practitioner of energy medicine for 5 yrs, as well as earned a degree in Exercise Physiology. Inneressencespa.com
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