THE “WHY” BEHIND EXERCISE

Exercise is important. We all know that. But life is really busy, don’t you think? If I make exercise a priority in my life, it means I would need to sacrifice other things. In order to do that, I need to know WHY exercise is so important. Here are a few pointers that will encourage you to take out those running shoes!

10 Reasons why exercise is important

1. Exercise will deplete the excess sugar in the blood, burn calories and in the process burn fat.
2. Exercise also improves blood circulation and stimulates the cells to respond to insulin and glucose.
3. Exercise corrects a sluggish metabolism so calories are used up faster.
4. Exercise stimulates growth hormones and this in turn stimulates tissue growth and helps to slow down the ageing process.
5. In order to properly detox the body, exercise is essential.
6. Exercise stimulates the release of cortisol, the hormone that helps the body to use fatty acids, protein and carbohydrates efficiently, which will promote weight loss.
7. Exercise stimulates aldosterone, the hormone that helps to balance minerals and water levels in the body. This will help to prevent water retention.
8. Exercise increases the levels of parathormone, the hormone that helps to regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. The mineral calcium is important if you want to lose weight.
9. Exercise also improves your overall fitness and your ability to fight off colds.
10. Exercise releases endorphins, which improves your mood and make you feel good about yourself.

Exercise and weight loss

Exercise is probably one of the most important predictors of whether you will succeed at long-term weight loss.

In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five 30-minute sessions per week.

Weight training can be very beneficial in weight loss. I’m not suggesting becoming the next Incredible Hulk, so take it easy! The reason why weight training is so beneficial for weight loss is because it helps to build muscles. Since muscle is active tissue and fat is not, you will burn more calories. In order to maintain muscle in the body, your body burns a significant amount of calories each day.

According to Miriam Nelson, author of Strong Woman Stay Slim, women who followed a weight loss diet and did weight training exercises lost 44% more fat than those who only followed the diet.

When you start to eat healthy, you are taking in a lot more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and essential fatty acids. The only effective way to properly distribute all of these nutrients throughout your system is via exercise.

Maybe today is a good day to start with the new you. Get moving!