Good Morning Beautifuls!
Several components that lead to good overall health include: fresh air, restful sleep, clean water, good nutrition, stress management and exercise, to name a few. Today, I want to focus on exercise and it's importance to our health.
Now let me go on and make it known that I have not been consistently working out for the past year... or two... and a half... give or take a few months or so. Well, you get the picture. This is not good. However, on last week I made myself go sign-up at our gym and did work out and will continue to do so on a daily basis. I had to "purpose" myself to do so for my physical, mental and emotional well-being. I know you may say, "How would a physical activity affect you mentally & emotionally?" My answer is simple and from the heart,"Because I feel happier after I've worked out and more relaxed (less stressed) later on." Now I do understand that you may need a more technical answer so here goes...
According to the Mayo Clinic:
1. Exercise improves your mood.
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.
Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Regular exercise might be the ticket.
Regular exercise can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular exercise boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
And there's more. Regular exercise can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
3. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs.
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular exercise can leave you breathing easier.
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular exercise helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
4. Exercise promotes better sleep.
Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.
A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And, you guessed it, exercise is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. The timing is up to you — but if you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to try late afternoon workouts. The natural dip in body temperature five to six hours after you exercise might help you fall asleep.
5. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!
Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Take up pole dancing. It’s a sensual and fun workout! In Atlanta, you can check out Pole La Teaz. They offer a variety of classes such as: Pole Dance, Chair Dance, Exotic Dance/Striptease, workshops and private parties. You can even check them out in a free teaser class. Please believe. It is not only fun, but a serious workout! Either way, find an activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!
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