So What ARE Some Benefits Of Exercise?
8/23/23
Hi Friends!
Today I want to talk about the benefits of exercise, and here’s why: exercise can improve your life in SO many ways. It helps to prevent injury, improve mood, boost energy, strengthen bones and muscles, improve mobility, make daily activities easier, improve quality of sleep, lower blood pressure, and help maintain weight.
Last week I shared that exercise isn’t necessary for weight loss. Let me elaborate and clarify just a bit. The short of it is- you can’t rely on exercise to burn off calories you have eaten. The amount of time it would take to do that consistently is too much for the average person to sustain. The place to put your energy if you’re trying to lose pounds off your body is to focus on what you are eating, why you are overeating, and how to overcome those obstacles.
Think about yourself through your future lifespan. What do you want your life to be like? Do you want to be able to climb steps without pain, walk onto airplanes with ease, and swim with your grandkids without getting out of breath? Do you want to be able to dress yourself, do your own grocery shopping and live independently as you age? Do you want to have more natural energy, get enjoyment out of activities, and have higher tolerance for uncomfortable situations?
My guess is your answer to all of these are YES. If so, then a relatively good, baseline physical fitness level is essential to have if you want to keep up with life’s demands like the ones listed above.
Think of a good baseline physical fitness level like having insurance on your body. You strength train and perform cardio to ensure that your muscles and heart are backed up for when and if something happens, along with just ensuring you perform well on a daily basis.
When I gave birth to my daughter back in 2020 I had lots of postpartum complications. I was admitted to the hospital several times, but the first time for 7 full days, bedridden. I remember very clearly on day 6 when I stood up from bed on my own for the very first time. I was so deconditioned from the hospital stay and all the trauma, but all I remember thinking was - thank goodness I have been taking care of myself for years now and all through pregnancy. I truly believe my strength and physical fitness level was how I was able to stand and walk on day 6. Otherwise, it likely would have taken me much longer to recover.
So, along with just being in shape to help you in life, I would say the next best benefit of exercise is the mental health side of it. Exercise improves your overall well-being and increases your endorphins, which make you feel great! I have never felt worse after completing a workout- only better with more energy!
This is actually where exercise can help you lose weight. When you exercise, your mental health is overall improved and you have more tolerance, capacity and desire to take on more decision making and problem solving. For example, prior to exercising you may not feel like cooking dinner, prepping your lunches for the next day or eating a nutrient dense meal. I guarantee if you take a 15 minute walk outside you will automatically have more desire to do these things compared to before. Try it out!
Without getting too science-y, there you have it. Another day I can go into detail about more benefits of exercise, but hopefully that gives you a good amount of insight on it. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I would LOVE to hear from you!
Talk soon, Emily
emily@emilybachhealthcoaching.com
Instagram: @emilythehealthynurse
