One of the most frustrating parts of getting back into a consistent workout routine is seeing visible results. It can take time for your body to catch up to your new fit lifestyle. Sometimes, when beginning a new workout routine, you may even gain weight when you’re trying to lose weight due to your body’s muscle increase. Don’t fret, your body will catch up to your healthy lifestyle soon! For now, keep these 8 invisible benefits of working out in mind to help keep you motivated.
1. Improve Sleep
Forget sleeping pills, exercise is one of the easiest ways to help reduce symptoms of insomnia. When you exercise, your body temperature increases, which is why you tend to sweat so much. After an intense workout, the decrease in body temperature is known to make people tired and more likely to fall asleep faster. This is most common after an intense cardio workout where your body temperature is elevated for a longer period of time. Additionally, when you exercise, you strengthen circadian rhythms which means more deep, healthy sleep for you!
2. Reduce Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety or depression, working out can help alleviate those symptoms. A recent Princeton University study revealed that exercise can actually help create new brain cells and neurons that are more resistant to overexcitement. This means, they are better at handling stress, which means less anxiety in the short term. With consistent exercise, long-term anxiety symptoms can also be reduced as well!
3. Enhance Focus
It’s no secret that a good workout at the gym can help you focus. If you’ve ever exercised before attempting to do homework or before a long day at work, you might have noticed that you felt more on task. This is because working out increases your blood flow and also causes your nerve cells to multiply which means a more focused brain. When your brain is more focused, it’s retention and memory increase as well so you’re more likely to learn at a faster rate than if you hadn’t exercised.
4. Immune Boost
If you’re one of those people who are always getting sick, exercising is one of the easiest ways to boost your immune system. Physical activity jump starts your metabolism, making your body better at flushing away toxins and bacteria. Exercise helps reduce calories and increase muscle which thus benefits your resting metabolic rate. Additionally, exercise increases blood flow circulation which gives your immune system an advantage when fighting viruses that might make you sick.
5. More Energy
If that midday coffee run just isn’t doing it for you anymore, it may be time to trade that espresso shot out for a quick workout. As tired as you may feel, exercise can actually help increase your energy in the short and long-term due to the increase of blood flow. This quick routine doesn’t need to be your best workout ever. It can be as simple as a 30 minute walk. As long as you’re increasing your heart rate, you should feel more awake and motivated.
6. Reduces Risks
Exercise is just as effective as preventative heart medications when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease. Although you can’t physically see this, working out is one of the best ways to strengthen your heart. When you exercise, you don’t just work out your body, you work out your cardiovascular system as well, making it stronger when it comes to preventing diseases.
7. Increase Longevity
Even though you may not be seeing the physical results of working out right away, you’re doing your body a long-term favor. It is proven that regular exercise can actually help you live longer. On average, those who do 2-3 hours of exercise a week live almost 3 years longer than those who don’t. This means more time with your friends and family in the long run!
8. Live Happier
Numbers on the scale don’t compare to a smile on your face! Working out makes you happier. Physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your serotonin and make you feel more pleasant. Additionally, after completing an exercise, most people feel better about themselves which translates into an increase in happiness.
Exercise is one of the best preventative medicines. It can be defeating when you don’t see the results you want right away, but don’t forget that working out is about more than changing your physical appearance – it’s about improving your life. If you’re ready to make a lifestyle change, the training experts at Real Results – Fitness & Performance can help you see the visible and invisible results that you desire!