Whether you are trying to lose weight, maintain your current shape, or gain muscle mass, then exercise is a must. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, make the time! We’ve all heard the saying, “A one hour workout is only 4% of your day!” So stop making excuses and put some pep in your step. Adding exercise into your daily routine is not only great for your shape, but is also known to have countless physiological, physical, and mental health benefits (Source: APA) .
Reduces stress. Exercise reduces both physical and mental stress. According to the American Psychological Association “exercise fuels the brain’s stress biffers”. Physically, your body is sweating out toxins that are built up throughout the day, ridding your skin of impurities. Mentally, your brain produces higher levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that is effective in controlling the brain’s response to stress. Other brain chemicals, particularly serotonin and dopamine, are also produced during exercise, resulting in relaxation and improved mood. Exercise rids your body of daily tension promoting your overall well-being. (Source: APA)
Helps depression. Exercise acts as a natural anti-depressant by boosting your mood and decreasing anxiety. Physical activity can trigger the growth of neurons in brain areas that are damaged by depression. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural opiates, resulting in feelings of happiness and enhanced pleasure. Exercising can be just as effective as anti depressant medication in treating depression. (Source: NCBI)
Younger skin. In a study conducted by researchers at McMaster University in Ontario found that after age 40, men and women who exercised frequently had thicker dermis layers in their skin and other improvements, over those in the study who were sedentary. Translating to firmer younger looking skin. (Source: CBC)
