The Benefits Extend Far Beyond The Physical

Everyone knows exercise is good for you, but the benefits are more than just improving the way your body looks. It also impacts your happiness, cognition, longevity, and more. In case you need more incentive to start using that gym membership, here are 20 great benefits that come with regular exercise.

1. Weight Loss

Many people's main reason for maintaining an exercise schedule is weight loss. Exercise burns calories and increases metabolism, aiding in weight management.

2. Strengthens Bones

Weight-bearing exercises like weight-lifting increases bone density. As we age, our bones become more brittle, increasing the risk of breakage and osteoporosis.

3. Boosts Mood

During exercise, your body releases feel-good endorphins that can improve your mood. This reduces symptoms and risk of depression and anxiety.

4. Improves Digestion

Exercise increases blood flow to the digestive tract, improving your digestive functioning. One study also found that regular exercise modifies the gut microflora, improving digestion and promoting weight loss.

5. Reduces Stress

Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones and produces endorphins that elevate your mood. Additionally, exercise reduces stress by providing you with an opportunity to get away from it all either by enjoying some solitude or socializing as part of an exercise class.

6. Improves Skin

Exercise increases blood flow to the skin which gives your skin a healthy glow. As you sweat, dead skin cells are shed and your body regenerates new ones. Additionally, exercise stimulates collagen production which improves skin elasticity.

7. Increases Your Lifespan

Regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to 30 percent. It does this by reducing your cells' aging and protecting you against diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, Asthma, Obesity, and Arthritis.

8. Increases Your Energy Levels

One of the best medicines against fatigue and lethargy is exercise. It does this by sending oxygen and nutrients to your cardiovascular system.

9. Improves Sexual Health

Regular exercise can improve your libido and boost your sexual pleasure. It's been shown to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in men and increase sexual arousal in women.

10. Increases Flexibility

Have you always wanted to do the splits? Regular exercise can help you achieve your flexibility and mobility goals which in turn, reduces stiffness and promotes healthy aging.

11. Reduces Inflammation

Aerobic exercise protects you from many major illnesses which are caused by inflammation. It does this by increasing the production of certain hormones that keep inflammation down and reducing body fat which contains inflammatory substances.

12. Improves Heart Health

Exercise reduces certain hormones that put stress on the heart. Additionally, it strengthens your heart muscle, increasing its ability to pump blood throughout your body.

13. Improves Sleep Quality

Regular exercise can improve your sleep quality by up to 65 percent. It does this by fighting depression, anxiety, and stress, some of the key factors affecting your sleep. Strenuous activity also depletes your energy, encouraging you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

14. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US. Regular exercise helps lower your risk of cancer by reducing inflammation and lowering levels of sex hormones that have been linked to certain cancers.

15. Improves Fertility

Exercise affects certain female hormones, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces stress, and regulates menstrual cycles, all of which play a role in ovulation. Regular moderate exercise has been linked to increased pregnancy rates.

16. Enhances Immune Function

Regular exercise helps out your immune system by increasing the circulation of white blood cells. Additionally, exercise raises your body temperature which prevents bacteria from growing.

17. Enhances Brain Function

Exercise improves cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain. It also stimulates the hippocampus which improves long-term memory. Increased brain function helps stave off age-related cognitive diseases like Dementia and Alzheimer's.

18. Increases Self-Esteem

Another great side effect of working out regularly is that your body will begin to look better. The improved body image will have a positive effect on your self-esteem and confidence.

19. Reduces Chronic Pain

Regular exercise produces feel-good endorphins that act as natural painkillers. Additionally, the increased strength and flexibility that come with working out will reduce pain and stiffness by enhancing mobility.

20. Tones Muscles

The obvious reason to exercise is to increase muscle strength, size, and endurance. This not only gives you a fit-looking body and gives you more power, but also staves off osteoporosis and promotes healthier aging.