Sometimes I get asked why, if a person is slim and looks good they still need to exercise! As a life coach I hear this quite often, especially from those who still have youth on their side. But the secret is, that exercise is not only about looking good, having great abs and amazing legs, it’s also got a whole lot of other benefits that you may not realise upfront. Let’s take a look so you can see what I mean…
Reduces Blood Pressure
You can be slim and still have high blood pressure- and no matter what your weight, high blood pressure is never a good thing. Exercise can help you reduce your blood pressure as it attacks the plaque that forms in your arteries.
The more exercise you get, the more your blood flows freely and the more your arteries widen. This reduces blood pressure and strengthens your heart.
Lowers Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people getting Type 2 Diabetes. With regular exercise you can stave off this disease, as you’ll improve your bodies ability to metabolise glucose.
As this type of Diabetes poses a serious risk to your health, it’s a great incentive to get off the couch, pause your real money Blackjack game and put those running shoes on.
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system not only prevents you from getting sick, it also helps you combat the effects of stress. The more exercise you get, the stronger your immune system, and the better the benefits.
If you do find yourself getting sick often or suffering from severe stress, you definitely need to exercise- slowly at first- and see if you can strengthen your body’s response to germs and extenuating environmental factors.
Keep Your Bones Strong
As you age, you lose bone strength and density. The more exercise you get, the healthier your bones and if you do regular resistance training you could stave off diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Just a few hours a week of weigh bearing exercise is a great help.
Get an Endorphin Boost
Exercise releases endorphins, which are the feel good chemical your brain needs so badly; especially if you work in a high-pressure environment. You don’t even need to engage in high impact exercise to get the endorphins flowing; you can do Yoga or Pilates, or even Tai Chi!
Some people find that the buzz that they get from an endorphin rush is almost addictive, and this isn’t really a bad thing, as long as you do everything in moderation!
Improve Your Sleep Patterns
Exercise helps you sleep better as the body is tired and can rejuvenate better. Physical exertion kicks your body’s circadian rhythms into higher gear, and this helps you get some much-needed sleep after a busy day.
If you are tired you’ll sleep better too, and exercise gives you both a physical and mental work out.