Exercise and working out is something that many of us dread in day-to-day life. The thoughts of going to the gym and running on a treadmill staring at a blank wall, or lifting weights beside people with massive muscles, grunting loudly while looking at themselves in the mirror can be extremely daunting. This article will hopefully open your eyes to the idea that exercise doesn’t need to be the bane of your day, but a tool to relax and release some endorphins, and how easy it is to incorporate these steps into your daily routine.
Exercising is so extremely important for both mental and physical well-being. First of all, let’s have a look at the physical benefits of exercising.
You don’t need to be dripping in sweat or gasping for air to get some good activity in. Simply increasing your step count for the day is a great way to become more active and increase your fitness levels and overall health. In an article called “Evidence Behind 10,000 Steps Walking” written by Wattanapisit Apichai & Thanamee Sanhapan, many studies were combined to supply the evidence behind how walking 10,000 steps a day can immensely improve your overall health in countless ways.
One study that took place over a nine-month period demonstrated a significant decline in body weight and body fat over the course of the study. The average body weight loss from merely an increased daily step count was -2.4kg and -2.7kg of fat mass. Not only do these extra steps supplement fat loss but also prove to be beneficial to the internal functions of the body. In a six-week study completed amongst university students, a reduction in diastolic and systolic blood pressure was prevalent.
Not only can a lower body fat percentage and blood pressure make you feel healthier, more energized throughout the day and generally happier but being fitter in your youth can contribute to better habits and health seeping through to the rest of your life and severely benefit you in your later years.
Another brimming benefit of getting those daily steps in is the mental wellbeing benefits it can bring to you. Whether it’s a calming stroll in nature or strutting your stuff to Taylor Swift on the treadmill, you’ll be sure to have a flood of endorphins after getting your booty moving.
It is scientifically proven that exercise can immensely increase the levels of both the serotonin and noradrenaline hormones in the brain. This is such an interesting point as many antidepressant medications play a very similar role in the brain. Exercise is literally an antidepressant.
An article titled “Therapeutic Benefits of Physical Activity for Mood; A Systematic Review on the Effects of Exercise Intensity, Duration, and Modality completed in 2019 stated that research shows a clear correlation between anaerobic exercise and elevated mood.
They went on to specify that the relation between duration and or intensity of exercise and the extent of elevation of mood is “non-linear”. So to speak, no matter if its three hours lifting very heavy objects or getting a few extra steps in than usual, your chances of a higher and happier mood are almost undeniable.
There’s no dispute that walking is a low impact and extremely easy way to step into a better life. 10 minutes of main character energy a day with “Lover” by Taylor Swift blaring far too loudly in your ears, whether it’s strutting or strolling can and will immensely improve your physical and mental health in endless and life-enhancing ways. Doesn’t sound like something to dread so much anymore, does it?