TEN BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

An energetic life is a happy life. It requires constant growth, change and action. You can be smart, attractive, rich and witty, but you can't be successful unless you have the power to turn your ideas into actions. What distinguishes us as successful or unsuccessful individuals is energy.

Whenever I'm tired, sad, angry, or running out of power, I choose exercise as the best remedy…running, walking, kickboxing, tennis, Pilates, golf, and hiking. Sometimes I exercise at home using exercise DVD’s, sometimes in a gym, on the beach, in the pool, or sometimes I enjoy taking a jog in my neighborhood.

Now in my 40’s, I attribute my good looks, positive energy and youthful appearance to
exercise, which has become an integral part of my life.

We are all familiar with the benefits of exercise. Still, we're not able to motivate ourselves to commit to it on a regular basis. People make excuses such as lack of time or money, tiredness and so on. There are no excuses! One can always choose the right time and place for exercise. Exercising on a regular basis will make you feel better, and promote a healthier lifestyle and a longer life. Below are ten important reasons why exercise should become an integral part of your life:

1. INCREASES YOUR ENERGY LEVEL. Our body is supplied with oxygen and it stimulates the circulation of blood, heart and lung function more efficiently, thus creating energy that enables us to perform everyday activities with pleasure.

2. IMPROVES OUR MOOD. Most people who exercise feel better and achieve better results at work. They're happier regardless of their age. Exercise encourages the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine (hormones) and endorphins (neurotransmitters) that are responsible for creating a good mood.

3. STIMULATES BRAIN FUNCTION. During exercise, our body releases nitric oxide, a powerful stimulator of brain functions. This process refreshes our memory and improves our concentration and thoughts.

4. IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY. If you have trouble sleeping, you should make sure you exercise regularly. Exercise is one of the most effective "remedies" for insomnia.

5. INCREASES SELF-CONFIDENCE. People who exercise regularly look younger, have better posture, and they're more fit. Good looks definitely enhances our self-confidence.

6. GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SOCIALIZE. Exercise enables us to look deep into ourselves, to face our deepest thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, it gives us the opportunity to spend some quality time with those who share the same interest.
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7. RELEASES STRESS. The level of cortisol reduces the amount of stress hormones in our body during physical activities and creates a sense of spiritual peace.

8. BODY DETOXIFICATION. By sweating, toxins are released from our body.

9. DISEASE PREVENTION. Regular physical activity can influence the prevention of high blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some types of cancer. It affects the increase of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good cholesterol” and lowers triglycerides and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also known as “bad cholesterol.”

10. AFFECTS HORMONE FUNCTIONS. Stimulates the secretion of hormones:

Growth Hormone: Responsible for the synthesis of proteins, bone strengthening, muscle tone, and fat burning.

Endorphines: Reduces appetite, anxiety and depression.

Testosterone: Affects muscle tone and metabolism, breaks down fats and increases confidence.

Estrogen: Stimulates fat breakdown, improves mood, and increases libido.

Thyroxine (T4): Accelerates metabolism.

Adrenalin Secreted in the adrenal gland it is responsible for pumping blood from the heart to the most critical parts of the body. It stimulates the degradation of sugar and fat reserves, which further contributes to the reduction of excessive body weight.

Insulin: Regular exercise reduces insulin levels and increases the sensitivity of our cells to insulin, especially with people who suffer from excess weight, which contributes to reducing those extra pounds.

I sincerely hope that I managed to motivate you and convince you to start exercising. It doesn’t matter if you run, dance, take a walk along the beach, swim, or ride a bike...just be sure to do it regularly. You'll be amazed with your results which will inspire you to do many other beautiful things in your life.

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