The Benefits of Exercise

You've probably heard that exercise is good for you; doctors recommend 30 minutes a day at least 3-4 times a week to promote good health. But while you understand that working out is "good", you may not really know what this nebulous term entails in terms of actual, quantifiable results.

Does it lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk for heart disease? Will you sleep better at night and enjoy more energy throughout the day? Could you cut back on some of your prescription medications by exercising? These are all things that might the average person to begin an exercise regimen, and the truth is that regular exercise could help you to achieve each one. So if you're still looking for the smoking gun that will inspire you to squeeze in a daily workout, here are just a few of the benefits of bodies in motion that could get you off the couch and onto the treadmill.

The obvious benefits of exercise are physical. Most of us reach adulthood only to set aside the athletic pursuits that dominated our youth. We spend all day sitting in a cubicle and come home at night exhausted and craving nothing more than a couple hours of relaxation in front of the tube. In short, we become sedentary, a situation that our bodies are not equipped to handle. At one time in our long history, humans were hunters and gatherers. There was little leisure time as people were always engaged in the pursuit of the foodstuffs needed for survival. These days we simply go to the grocery store for foods so packed with fats, sugars, and preservatives that it's no wonder we boast 30% obesity amongst adults. Ouch!

But exercise can combat the many complications presented by our current lifestyle, not just in terms of weight loss (although that's a major benefit) but also concerning overall physical health. Heart disease is still the number one killer amongst adults, with cancer, stroke, and diabetes also coming in near the top of the list. Each of these ailments can be linked to poor diet and a lack of adequate exercise. So while you can certainly view working out as a way to improve your overall form (lose weight, tone muscles, etc.), you should be more concerned with the positive effects it can have on your health and quality of life.

However, there's more to exercise than a healthy heart and killer abs. It can also have benefits for your emotional state. With many adults working long hours at stressful occupations, it's no surprise that depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other emotional and psychological disorders are through the roof. In this area exercise can also help. Working out is a great way to reduce tension, tire the body and mind, and increase stamina and focus. In short, it can help to create the best possible version of you, in every way.

So when the alarm goes off in the morning, don't just hit the snooze button and vow to exercise later. Don't use your lunch break to play video games. Don't hit the drive-through each night on your way to a date with your favorite TV program. Instead, find a way to work in thirty minutes of activity every day. You are guaranteed to look and feel better in no time at all, and you'll ensure not only longevity, but a better quality of life. So if you want to be here in the future, you'll start making an effort now.

Chris Larue writes for tshirtprinting.net where you can design your own custom clothing including great workout t-shirts.

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