From improved cognitive functioning and a higher metabolic rate, to disease prevention and weight-maintenance, there are many scientifically-based reasons to exercise. I thought it might be entertaining (maybe I need to get out more) to look at the Mayo Clinic’s top 7 benefits of exercise, then make my own list of why people *really* exercise!
Science:
1. Improves mood - decreases stress, helps stave off depression, increases self-esteem, happiness & is relaxing; all to do with brain chemicals.
2. Combats chronic diseases – We in the fitness industry have been shouting about this for years. But is anyone listening? Noooooo. Too bad, I’m going to shout it again: most chronic diseases can be prevented or managed with exercise – hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, abnormal cholesterol levels, stroke, arthritis. While we’re at it, you should also quit smoking!
3. Helps manage weight – Forget all that crazy talk pre-printed on the machines about fat-burning zones: a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. In a simple sentence that includes a verb, engaging in exercise causes you to burn calories. If you burn them, you aren’t storing them!
4. Boosts energy level – When people say “I’m doing my cardio,” they are secretly talking about Biology 101. The cardiovascular system is more efficient when it’s all “exercised up.” Go Heart! Go Blood Vessels! While we’re here: Go Lungs!
5. Promotes better sleep – As long as I don’t exercise right before bedtime, I can improve..zzzzzzzzz. snort.
6. Has positive effect on sex life – Women: Hello arousal! Men: Goodbye erectile dysfunction. Nuff said. Shut up and dance.
7. Can be fun – Okay, most of the people who live on* this* planet might wonder about the fun part, but obviously the researchers at the Mayo Clinic are whooping it up!
Why People Really Exercise (based totally on random science pulled out of my toned squishy butt):
1. In the category of “Duh,” women care about weight loss; men about muscle mass & tone (Okay, I didn’t make this one up; it’s based on surveys).
2. To look hot, awesome, available, Dead Sexy, tolerable (before 2:00 closing time), fine and bootylicious. If you don’t believe me, I did a search for “reasons to exercise” and got a link to an article that had an ad ”Meet Fit Singles” right there! In bold!
3. To meet and hang out with people who are not necessarily their partners, children, co-workers or peripheral relatives. Yes, I know we all love our families (I think my kids read my stuff so I had to say that), but it sure can be nice to have like-minded adult friends, eh?
4. Flat Abs – This is, like, *totally* different from #2. Ask anyone. But not while they’re doing their ab exercises. Wait till they’re done. Courtesy and all.
5. I want to feel better about myself. Oh, and fit all that expensive stuff in my closet. (Psst, did you know men exercise to lose weight because they actually are overweight (health reason), while women exercise to lose weight due to body dissatisfaction (appearance reason) Ingledew and Sullivan (2002).
6. To be stronger and younger. Me personally, I’d rather have a fit 60-year-old body than an unfit 28-year-old one. Either way, I’d send him home in the morning!
7. To be able to do stuff. Being limited physically is no fun. I mean, what’s the point of living if I can’t touch my toes?
8. Bragging rights. Just between us, isn’t it sort of satisfying to share your exercise stories? By the way, have I told you about my 5-mile walk in the snow yet?
Whatever YOUR reason for exercise, you should at least know this: people who exercise for health reasons will stick with it a lot longer than those who choose appearance. Here’s your 2011 motto (you’re welcome): Come for the health; stay for the looks.
About Alexandra Williams
Isn't #6 the same as #5? Better sex always improves my sleep. ;)
I think you hit the nail on the head with the bragging advantage. I love to tell people I did a 2 day 150 mile bike ride. Or a 50 mile very hilly bike ride. Wait, was that bragging?
...and I would rather have the 28 year old unfit body. But that's just me.
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