Confession: I’m one of those annoying people who actually like to workout. Chances are that if you bump into me running errands around town, I’ll be dressed and ready for the gym, either coming from or headed that way. I own more workout clothes than regular clothes, and I collect athletic shoes like some women collect peep toe-pumps. From trail runners to flippers, I’ve got it covered. It’s safe to say I’m borderline obsessed. Hey, there are far worse things to be obsessed with!
The benefits of exercise go far beyond bodily transformation. So often we think of exercise as a means to an end — pounding away at the pavement to create a calorie deficit in order to lose a few pounds, or sprinting up hills to burn off that extra dessert from Saturday night out with friends.
We all know that exercise is a key component for weight loss and maintenance, but I have learned throughout my own weight loss journey that breaking a sweat every day has a host of other benefits we rarely stop to think about. Here are a few of my favorites:
n Obviously, consistent workouts help keep extra pounds at bay. And maintaining a healthy weight has a number of health benefits in itself. But even if you’re carrying around a extra layer of padding, regular physical activity can still affect your health in a positive way.
While I’ve never suffered from high blood pressure or cholesterol personally, I certainly know many people who do. Upon diagnosis of either, the first thing any good doctor will recommend before drug therapy is exercise. In addition to preventing, and in some cases curing, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, I’ve read over and over again that regular physical activity can prevent many other serious diseases such as stroke, diabetes, cancers and even depression. Now, if that doesn’t motivate us off of our bums, I don’t know what will.
n Ironic as it may sound, exercise gives you more energy. You might think a 5-miler on the Columbus Riverwalk would leave you completely exhausted and drained of every ounce of energy, but it actually has the opposite effect. I experience this affect firsthand every day I workout, and on the days I don’t.
I workout at night, sometimes after a very full day. And no matter how exhausted I am before I start my sweat session, a few minutes in and I start to get energized. By the time I’m finished, I’ve caught a second wind and have the energy to finish my day on a strong note. I have no idea how in the world this phenomenon works, but it definitely does.
n Exercising relieves stress and just makes you happy. Stress is a normal part of life, but there’s nothing better after a really tough day than pounding it out on a boxing bag. It’s such a good release.
Just think about the chipper fitness instructors at your gym. Don’t they all seem to have so much spunk and energy from all of that exercise? It’s called “runner’s high” for a reason. Whether you run, walk, bike or Zumba, any heart-pumping workout just makes you feel sort of amazing. Those delightful endorphins released during physical activity boost your confidence and self esteem, which translates into a good mood.
I love sharing things I’ve learned throughout my journey, and I hope readers can implement what works for you into your own healthy lifestyle. But it’s important to know I am not a health care professional and don’t claim to be. What I lack in credentials I make up for with my own real life experiences. Just as a precaution, remember to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health problems or concerns.
Leah Sullivan of Columbus has been on a productive journey to a healthier lifestyle and shares some of her experiences with readers. Follow {Nourish} on Facebook
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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