It Improves Your Mood
A brisk workout is like a bad mood repellent,
boosting production of brain chemicals that ease stress and anxiety and
make you feel happier and more relaxed. Research shows that you’ll reap
the benefits even if you feel so bummed, you’ve got to drag yourself to
Zumba class.
Call it nature’s Ambien: A recent National Sleep Foundation study found that up to 67 percent of regular exercisers say they get a good night’s sleep—and it doesn’t matter if you lace up your sneakers in the morning, afternoon, or even late at night.
It’s not exactly clear how regular exercise helps keep you from getting colds, the flu, and other illnesses, but research suggests that hitting the gym at least 2-3 times a week results in a stronger ability to fight off bacteria and viruses.
It Helps You Sleep Better
Call it nature’s Ambien: A recent National Sleep Foundation study found that up to 67 percent of regular exercisers say they get a good night’s sleep—and it doesn’t matter if you lace up your sneakers in the morning, afternoon, or even late at night.
It Strengthens Your Memory
Whether you’ve got an exam coming up or a big
presentation at work to give, you might want to hit your fave indoor
cycling class first. A new study of young adults from the journal
Behavioral Brain Research found that a single session of aerobic
exercise resulted in higher blood levels of hormones that are associated
with a strong memory.
If you’re already fit, working out can jack your ability to brainstorm new ideas. New research published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience determined that regular exercisers who rode a stationary bike fared better on creativity tests than did non-exercisers.
It Boosts Your Creativity
If you’re already fit, working out can jack your ability to brainstorm new ideas. New research published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience determined that regular exercisers who rode a stationary bike fared better on creativity tests than did non-exercisers.
It Can Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
How much working out and what type of exercise
isn’t exactly clear, but research links physical activity with a lower
risk of breast and endometrial cancer, according to the National Cancer
Institute.
It Recharges Your Batteries
Bike riding, even at moderate pace 2-3 times a
week, can boost energy levels by 20 percent and decrease fatigue by 65
percent; a run or other cardio workout can also reduce exhaustion. The
reason: breaking a sweat raises your metabolism and increases production
of the brain chemical dopamine, and that helps you feel less tired.
It Makes You More Confident
Just knowing the amazing physical feats your
body is capable of and experiencing your own strength and power gives
you kick-ass confidence that spills over into other areas of your life.
You’ll Take Fewer Sick Days
It’s not exactly clear how regular exercise helps keep you from getting colds, the flu, and other illnesses, but research suggests that hitting the gym at least 2-3 times a week results in a stronger ability to fight off bacteria and viruses.
It Eases Killer Cramps
Before you pop pain meds or stick one of those
heat patches on your abdomen, give exercise a shot. Research shows that
working out triggers the release of endorphins, which are like natural
opioids that relieve the agony of period pain.
You’ll Do Better At Work