[tweetthis] Whether your ultimate goal is to lose weight or improve your appearance, the true purpose of exercise should be to improve overall health. [/tweetthis]As many people hold office-based jobs and are spending more hours at work each week, the need for exercise is more important than ever.
Health benefits.
- Improvement of cardiovascular efficiency and health
- Decreased body fat
- Increase in muscular strength
- Increase in bone density
Exercise has many roles within the body. It can take on various forms such as walking and hiking, running/jogging, strength/weight training, yoga, cycling, and more; [tweetthis] all with one main objective being to achieve improved physical and psychological/mental performance alike. [/tweetthis]
Physical benefits.
Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness by allowing you to, for instance, walk upstairs without being out of breath. In a world of multitasking, improved cardiovascular fitness allows us to walk and talk.
Maintaining a consistent fitness routine supports weight management and allows you to still fit into your jeans, while also enjoying that extra serving of egg nog or holiday casserole. [tweetthis] Working out provides a caloric deficit state that allows extra room to indulge in moderation. [/tweetthis] We’ve all read about the role exercise plays on disease prevention, too.
Psychological benefits.
[tweetthis] Exercise also plays a role in boosting your mood by releasing hormones in the body that allow you to feel better and promote a sense of happiness and overall well-being. [/tweetthis]
Additionally, physical activity can allow for the brain to turn off and tune out for a while. Giving your mind a much-needed moment to kick off overdrive and allow the body to take over, and simply enjoy physical activity. [tweetthis] Exercise the body to quiet the mind. [/tweetthis]
[tweetthis] Exercise has been known to boost confidence and productivity as well. [/tweetthis] The opportunity to take a few moments for yourself can be incredibly powerful.
[tweetthis] As you reflect on your health journey thus far and begin to set goals/resolutions in preparation for a New Year, be mindful of the true purpose of exercise and make self-care a top priority. [/tweetthis] After all, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
