Matthew Fogle
NASM CPT FNS BCS
Why exercise at all?
Can you name three reasons?
It’s sometimes hard to remember why exercise is important for the body. So here is a list of over 30 reasons why you should start or continue exercising…
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Benefits of exercise:
Increases muscle mass
Decreases muscle loss (atrophy/sarcopenia)
Caloric burn for weight management
Anti-inflammatory effects
Increases insulin sensitivity
Improves cholesterol levels
Improves blood sugar control
Increases bone density (bones strengthen)
Strengthens immune system (which lowers disease risk)
Improves posture
Sleep patterns improve and regulate
Relaxation and breathing improve
More short-term energy
More long-term energy
Elevates mood via dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins (reducing depression and anxiety)
Improves self-esteem
Improves productivity
Improves blood circulation, making blood vessels more pliable by reducing the buildup of plaque, and helping distribute oxygen to the cells
Lubricates joints
Less chronic pain (the brain releases chemicals that dull pain)
Triggers growth of new neurons and helps repair and protect brain cells from degeneration
Slower aging (via NRF1, protecting telomeres – tiny caps on cells that normally get shorter as cells divide)
Lower resting heart rate
Decreases cortisol (stress hormone) levels
Decreases hypertension (lower blood pressure)
The heart becomes and better and stronger pump
Capillaries grow through muscle tissues to more efficiently deliver oxygen
More mitochondria are created in the muscles to efficiently use oxygen
Changes adipose tissue physiology (enhances fat mobilization, delivering fatty acids to muscles to be used as energy)
Reduces adipose tissue on the abs (The sympathetic nervous system, which releases fat burning hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, has a large presence in the abdominal region)
Increases Testosterone
Increases Growth Hormone
Reduces hunger (by releasing satiety hormone PYY)
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[Click here if you only have 30 minutes to exercise]
The next time you need some motivation to exercise, refer to this list and it may give you the extra push you need to get moving.
To your best health,
~ Matthew