It is common knowledge that getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing is good for our health, in many different ways. Those who incorporate some type of exercise into their weekly routine are more likely to live a long and healthy life than those who prefer to sit on the couch and binge on Netflix. OK, we all love a good Netflix session, but there is something to be said about keeping our TV watching to a minimum and instead opting to hit the gym after work. While we all know that exercise is good for us, recent studies have uncovered just how good. As mentioned, people who engage in some type of physical activity on a regular basis have a better chance of living longer, having more energy, and are happier overall. Not convinced yet? There are actually a host of additional reasons why you should really consider coming up with an exercise routine that fits your schedule and that you can stick to, week in and week out.

Over the last 10+ years scientists and health experts alike have been researching the benefits of exercise and how it may help increase brain function, among other things. Regardless of how old you are or what fitness level you are at, making time for exercise has some serious mental and physical benefits. Today we are going to go over these benefits – some of which come as no surprise and others that you may not have been aware of before today.

Benefit #1: Helps reduce stress. Stress is a serious and growing problem in the United States, in large part because people do not know how to properly deal with these feelings. One of the number one ways to reduce stress is engaging in some type of physical activity. Whether you simply go for a walk around the block, attend a yoga class, or head to the gym for a quick workout, you are guaranteed to release some stress and feel better in general.

Benefit #2: Helps fight certain diseases and health conditions. Whether you have a history of heart disease and high blood pressure in your family or simply want to be proactive and stop certain diseases in their tracks, you may want to consider adopting a regular exercise routine. The fact of the matter is that regular exercise can work to keep the blood flowing and decrease any risk of cardiovascular diseases and other serious health conditions.

Benefit #3: Helps boost energy. Exercise releases endorphins, which in turn create feelings of happiness, euphoria, and energy. Furthermore, exercise has actually been proven to alleviate symptoms associated with the clinically depressed. Because physical activity works to improve muscle strength and boost endurance, your tissues will actually be getting more nutrients and oxygen, which is a win-win for you and your mood.

Benefit #4: Helps promote sleep. Many people in our society today struggle with insomnia and rely on medication to help them fall asleep. However, regular physical activity can actually help you fall asleep quicker and even deepen your sleep.

If you are thinking about joining a gym in order to motivate yourself to engage in a regular exercise routine, look no further than Fitness Nation. Our 24-hour luxury gym has locations in Arlington and Bedford and offers a wide range of fun and motivating group classes. In addition, we also have state-of-the-art equipment that will help you get in shape in no time. To learn more about our membership options, please contact us today.