5 Reasons to Workout That Aren't Appearance-Based

Heart health. Heart disease is considered the number one cause for mortality in the world. Exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, reduces the risk of heart disease. "Physically active individuals have lower blood pressure, higher insulin sensitivity, and a more favorable plasma lipoprotein profile" (Nystoriak & Bhatnagar, 2018). Keeping active is an effective way to prevent heart disease and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Longevity. We're here for a good time AND a long time.🥳 This goes hand in hand with heart health; countless studies have shown that exercising leads to a longer life. Exercise reduces the risk of many health conditions. Movement truly is medicine! I highly recommend you read the studies at the end of this blog to learn more.

Endorphins. Happy hormones!! Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers (Harvard Health, 2021). They reduce pain and stress. It makes so much sense when people say they work out for their mental health more than physical. I can attest to the benefits reaped mentally, as well. Exercise is an amazing outlet for negative energy.

Confidence. When you make an appointment with yourself to workout and you show up, you gain trust + confidence in yourself. Just like how it feels when a friend shows up when they promised. When others don't keep their word we lose trust in them, the same goes with ourselves.

Values + skills you can take out of the gym: discipline, time management and follow-through are all skills that you gain from exercise. Sports and fitness has shaped me into the woman I am today. They build character. I have gained qualities that make me proud of who I am thanks to this outlet! It is much more than a workout, it is a lifestyle.

I hope this inspires you to get moving + reminds you that fitness is SO much more than physique. While there's nothing wrong with wanting a hot bod, these are the true benefits. It is amazing what our bodies can DO. We should value them for that more than how they look. Viewing exercise through this lens has allowed me to feel gratitude for my body. I show up with a "get to" rather than "have to" attitude. I hope it does the same for you!! 💗

Works Cited:

Ahmed, M. A. (2019, March 13). Can exercise extend your life? Harvard Health. Retrieved April 8, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-extend-your-life-2019031316207

Endorphins: The Brain's natural pain reliever. Harvard Health. (2021, July 20). Retrieved April 8, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/endorphins-the-brains-natural-pain-reliever

Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018, January 1). Cardiovascular effects and benefits of exercise. Frontiers. Retrieved April 8, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135/full