The Benefits of a Daily Workout

We all know exercise is a good idea, but why is daily exercise an even better idea than you thought? Did you know that burning just 287 calories per day can lower your risk of death by 32% [1]? A recent study found this to be true, and if that isn’t motivation to get up and moving, I am not sure what is. We were made to move. The most all encompassing magic pill to health and happiness is a good dose of daily exercise. Not only can it help you reduce your cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, reduce your chances of diabetes, assist in weight management, it can just make you feel a whole lot better. Regular physical exercise has been shown to help reduce rates of depression, stress, and anxiety as well as other mental health issues [2]. So, with that said, it’s a new year, and there is no better time than the present to make a change in your fitness routine. Even if your goal is just for one month, try to see if you can set the habit of daily exercise. Once that habit is set, it only gets easier from there to find time for such an important life decision. Here is a list of 10 reasons you should start a daily workout program today: Cardiovascular Benefits- Did you know that low intensity activity still suggests to keep an elevated heart rate for prolonged periods of time (30+ minutes) at least 3 days a week? That means that just because you are lifting, doesn’t mean you can skip out on your cardio. Whether it be intervals, or steady state cardio, be sure you are getting your HR up, and keeping it there. We all need a healthy heart regardless of age and health. Longevity- You live longer. Enough said. Recreational Activity Counts- You don’t have to hit the gym and work until you are ready to puke your guts out everyday. Recreational activity has almost as many benefits and is even better at reducing anxiety and depression than traditional “exercise”. So when it comes to your mental health, it might be beneficial to go on a hike, do some gardening, walk your dogs, or play with your children or grandkids. Depression- Regular exercise can help with serious depression, and while depression can decrease your drive to get out of the house and move, it can be a great way to boost your ‘happiness hormones’ and help you combat the blues. If you are sticking at home, try an iFIT Daily workout. Satiety- With some individuals hunger can actually be suppressed post workout. When it comes to weight management you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Feel Better- Exercise can boost your mood and help make the rest of your day a good one. Stress- We all need an outlet for our stress and exercise can be a great stress management technique. Weight Management- This one is pretty simple. If you are exercising regularly it is much easier to keep your calories in balance. Muscle Mass- The more you workout, the more muscle you put on, and that means the more calories you need to sustain your body. With more muscle, you can lose weight without ever restricting your calories. It’s Fun- Exercise is fun if you do it right. You just have to find what you love, and do that. I think it is important to enjoy your workout routine, because if you hate it, you will never stick to it. Don’t forget to give different styles a chance. I didn’t love to run day 1, but now I couldn’t imagine a life without it. Becca Capell iFit Head Trainer

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Sources Manini TM, Everhart JE, Patel KV, et al. Daily Activity Energy Expenditure and Mortality Among Older Adults. JAMA. 2006;296(2):171-179. doi:10.1001/jama.296.2.171. Strohle , A. ( 2009 ). Physical activity, exercise, depression and anxiety disorders . Journal of Neural Transmission , 116 , 777 – 784 . doi: 10.1007/s00702-008-0092-x [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®]