It is no secret that exercise is good for our health, but when faced by the prospect of exercise the same excuses are always used. These are the 10 excuses we hear regularly:
- I have no time
- I can’t afford it
- My kids are at home
- I don’t anything to wear
- I feel embarrassed
- I hate to sweat
- I am too tired
- I don’t want to do it alone
- It’s too cold
- It’s too hot
To tackle those 10 excuses here are 10 reasons why you should get active:
1. Better Mood
Exercise makes you feel happier, so get moving! When you work out, your body makes endorphins, “feel-good” chemicals, in the brain. You can actually start to feel better within a few minutes of moving. But the effects of regular exercise can last for a long time.
2. More Energy
You might not expect it, exercise gives you more get-up-and-go energy. Sometimes when you’re tired, the last thing you want to do is move. But when you exercise regularly, that fatigue goes away and you find yourself with a lot more energy!
3. Good Night’s Sleep
Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. A good night’s sleep (on a consistent basis) is key to both good health and weight management.
4. More Confidence
You just walked a mile in 20 minutes! Success like that can boost your self-esteem and make you ready to tackle what lies ahead. Exercise makes you feel good about yourself.
5. Less Stress
Exercise calms both your body and your brain. When you exercise, the levels of stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, drop. Stress and anxiety fade away, especially after aerobic exercise.
6. More Productive
Want to be more efficient at work? Take a break and get some exercise. Studies prove that people who got moving in the middle of the day were much more productive when they went back to work. They also were happier and got more done.
7. Weight Control
Exercise and diet is a great combination to help you keep your weight healthy. Try to walk for 30 minutes at least five days a week.
8. Long Life
Regular exercise can add years to your life. And that counts even if you’re not a “fitness freak”. Just get moving. Even a little exercise can help you live longer than not exercising at all. Research conducted by The American Heart Association found out that each hour of exercise adds 2 hours to your life.
9. Strong Bones and Muscles
Your bones and muscles get stronger when you work out. It’s especially important to do weight-bearing exercise, such as weight-lifting, tennis, walking, and dancing. This can help build bones as you get older. And it can help ward off osteoporosis and protect your balance and coordination.
10. Healthy Heart and Lower Risk of Cancer
It is common knowledge that exercise is great for your heart. Regular workouts lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood cholesterol levels, and help control and even prevent high blood pressure.
Regular exercise can cut your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, and lung cancer.
Remember: Try to walk 30 minutes at least five days a week!