Title: READ: Beneftis of Regular Exercise
Course: Fitness for Life

Benefits of Regular Exercise

Photo: mikebaird - flickr

While exercising will help you with your personal fitness goals, it also has other great benefits that are hard to ignore. Here are some of the ways regular exercise can improve your life.

Exercise makes you happy.

Whether you need to blow off some steam from a stressful day or just need a change of pace, a little exercise can calm you down and improve your mood. Exercise causes your brain to release chemicals that leave you feeling more relaxed and happy than you were before. But that's not all; you'll also look better and feel better about yourself. Your confidence and self-esteem will improve.

Exercise makes you healthy.

Regular exercise is a key to preventing things like heart disease and osteoporosis. It also helps your digestion and keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. It helps you manage your weight, strengthens your heart and lungs, reduces your risk of diabetes, speeds up your metabolism, and gives you more energy.

Exercise makes you sleep better.

Do you ever have trouble falling asleep? A good night's sleep can improve your entire day – you'll have improved concentration, productivity, and mood. Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.

Exercise provides fun ways to express and challenge yourself.

If you're bored and want to find something interesting to do, try a new sport or other physical activity. Whether it's skateboarding, mountain biking, racquetball, or swimming, you're sure to find interesting challenges.

Exercise can be a great way to meet and spend time with friends.

Whether you want to go challenge friends one-on-one, play as a team against others, or just run or hike together, exercising together can be fun and create great memories.