The reason behind writing about the benefits of exercising is but obvious. We all start with our fitness program for some reason, but very few of us really stick with it or make it into a lifelong habit. I feel the main reason why some of us fail, sometimes even before we start is because we do not realize the real benefits of why we should exercise regularly.

For most exercising come to mind only when they have to lose some weight or get fit and smart before a wedding. Many think working out if only for the overweight, and normal or underweight people don’t need any exercise. But let me tell you that they are far far away from the truth.

The truth is that exercise has got nothing to do with weight loss, you can simply lose weight by dieting or just leaving junk.  Exercise means ‘bodily or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training or improvement of health’.  So health is the keyword here. As we all know the famous proverb “Health is Wealth” and rightly so. You may have everything in your life, but can you enjoy it if you do not have good health? Think over it for a minute. Also if you really believed in this, then wouldn’t you actually want to incorporate exercise in your life every single day?  

Let’s talk about a few of the benefits of exercising and see how important it really is, so get inspired:

1. Reduce Stress – One of the most common mental benefits of exercise is stress relief. Working up a sweat can help manage physical and mental stress. Exercise also increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress. So go ahead and get sweaty — working out can reduce stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension. So Cool!
2. Makes you Happy -Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even alleviate symptoms among the clinically depressed. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly the gym rat type — getting a happy buzz from working out. Just 30 mins of work out can give you that happy high. It’s sure worth it!
3. Improve self-confidence – On a very basic level, physical fitness can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image. Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person’s perception of his or her attractiveness, that is, self-worth. Isn’t this worth every penny?
4. Prevent Pre–Mature Ageing of your brain – It’s unpleasant, but it’s true — as we get older, our brains get a little… foggy. As aging and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s kill off brain cells, the noggin actually shrinks, losing many important brain functions in the process. Working out, especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.
5. Alleviating Anxiety- The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with anxiety disorders calm down. Hopping on the track or treadmill for some moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety sensitivity. And we thought intervals were just a good way to burn calories!
6. Get Super Memory – Regular physical activity boosts memory and the ability to learn new things. Getting sweaty increases the production of cells in the hippocampus responsible for memory and learning. A study showed that running sprints improved vocabulary retention among healthy adults. So pull up those socks and start sprinting guys!
7. Help Control Addiction – The brain releases dopamine, the “reward chemical” in response to any form of pleasure, be that exercise, drugs, alcohol, or food. Unfortunately, some people become addicted to dopamine and dependent on the substances that produce it, like drugs or alcohol. Short exercise sessions can also effectively distract drug or alcohol addicts, making them de-prioritize cravings at least for a short time. Exercise can help reboot the body clock, helping people hit the hay at the right time!
8. Increase Relaxation – For some, a moderate workout can be the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even for people with insomnia. Moving around five to six hours before bedtime raises the body’s core temperature. When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals to the body that it’s time to sleep.
9. Increase in Stamina – One thing we usually forget is that our body is basically a machine, damn efficient one. And a machine is made to move not to sit around the whole day. So when you move more you actually generate more energy and by that, you increase your stamina for your other activities during the day. Exercise = More Energy & Stamina. It’s a win-win!

Working out can have positive effects far beyond the gym (and beach & marriage season). Gaining self-confidence, getting out of a slump, and even thinking smarter are some of the motivations to take time for exercise on a regular basis.

So guys do we need any more reasons to start exercising NOW!