What Happens When You Exercise Consistently?

We are well into 2024. Have you managed to stay committed to your exercise goals? We get it, it can challenging to juggle a consistent workout routine with a hectic schedule and the demands of daily life. But remember, the advantages of physical activity go beyond just physical fitness. Regular exercise improves various aspects of your life and can even make your daily routines more manageable. Let's explore the incredible changes that occur when you make exercise a consistent part of your life.

Improved Mental Health

Physical activity can do wonders for your mental health! Exercise causes all sorts of changes in your brain. It promotes the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins that can increase your sense of well-being and make you feel happy, euphoric, and more relaxed. Team-based sports, aerobic exercise and interval training are particularly helpful in improving mood. Exercise is also a healthy way to relieve stress and can reduce levels of stress hormones in the body. Low-impact workouts such as yoga or walking are some of the best ways to de-stress after a hectic day.

Increased Energy Levels

When done consistently, exercise can actually increase your energy levels. It may not seem like that when you are huffing and puffing through your workout but stick with it! Exercise optimizes oxygen and nutrient delivery to your cells. It helps your cardiovascular and respiratory systems function more efficiently, increasing oxygen delivery throughout the body. This means that your cells will receive more fuel and in turn, you will too! So if you need a boost of energy, get off the couch and get moving!

Improved Body Composition

Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle or anything in between, exercise can help change your body composition in positive ways. Cardio or HIIT-based workouts are great for torching calories and helping you lose weight. On the other hand, resistance training can help you gain lean muscle mass. Pairing exercise with a healthy diet is a sustainable way to maintain ideal body composition in the long term. Throw out those shady weight loss supplements and get on the exercise train instead!

Reduced Risk of Disease

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and even arthritis. Here are some examples:

• Weight-bearing exercises help to strengthen bones and joints, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Exercise improves glucose sensitivity, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. 
• Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, reducing the risk of heart-related diseases.
• Exercise increases the delivery of oxygen to the brain, reducing the risk of dementia. 

Get the picture? Exercise! It’s good for your health!

Increased Confidence

While the improvements in body composition brought about by exercise will most definitely improve your self-esteem, it’s not all about looks! Exercise will also give you a sense of accomplishment. Working out is hard! And when done consistently, you will see continuous improvements and your weaknesses will eventually become your strengths. There is no feeling better than the pride that comes with achieving your goals! 

While exercise can improve your health and well-being in many ways, more is not always best. You won’t get ANY of these benefits if you are pushing yourself too hard or overtraining. Instead, your mental and physical health will deteriorate. So it’s important to be mindful of your limitations and exercise in a way that feels best for you. Listen to your body! 

If you need a little help with making exercise a regular habit, get in touch with us. We offer a wide variety of workouts as well as challenges that can help you stay consistent and motivated to exercise. Try them out and start feeling your best today!

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