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AT THE END OF A LONG DAY, EARLY IN THE MORNING, IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAINY AFTERNOON WHEN THE SOFA LOOKS MORE INVITING THAT THE ELLIPTICAL—WE CAN ALMOST ALWAYS FIND A REASON TO PUT OFF A WORKOUT k WRITTEN BY MATILDA DAVIES,
B
CONTRIBUTING WRITER FOR INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE
ecause getting started is often the toughest part of a workout, sometimes all we need is a little push to remind us why that workout is going to be one of the best decisions we make today. Here are seven reasons you should stop procrastinating your next workout.
1 Exercise fights
depression and anxiety Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which are those feel-good chemicals (that are both mood boosters and natural painkillers) in your brain that some call a “runner’s high.” Regular exercise produces prolonged periods of endorphin release—which fights feelings of depression and anxiety over the long haul.
2 Exercise
is a proven stress buster Aerobic exercise is a natural way to reduce of stress, whether it’s at the end of a long day or a long week, hitting the pavement or hitting the gym is the perfect way to take back your mental space. Those same
off your workout any longer. Exercise helps fight the loss of valuable brain tissue as you age and can actually help improve your cognitive function on the molecular level. So the next time you need to be at the top of your mental game, hit the gym.
6 You can exercise anywhere
endorphins that fight depression and anxiety also fight the physical and mental stress response.
3
You improve your heart health Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching, flexibility, and balance training are all excellent for the health of your heart. Exercise is one of the best tools you have for boosting heart health because it strengthens your heart as a muscle.
4
Make strides toward personal goals Whether your goal is to maintain your weight, shed a few pounds, build or tone muscle, or even just meet a goal—running a 10K, for example— your workout can help you get there. It may help to visualize your success: put a calendar on display somewhere in your house. Every time you complete a workout, color in that day with a yellow highlighter. The more days you see colored in, the more you’ll want to continue to see.
5 Boost your brain function
Got an important meeting at work? A company-wide presentation? A big exam? A busy week ahead? Don’t put
Though it might be motivating to fork out some cash for an expensive gym membership or even a set of fancy workout clothes, good exercise can be totally free. Taking a walk around your neighborhood, running around the yard with your kids, lifting a bag of flour while watching TV, doing yoga in the living room are easy and completely free ways you can get in a good workout and hardly even realize it. You can workout at home, outside in the yard, at a park, while on vacation, at a friend’s house. If you’re unsure of where to start, a quick Google search or YouTube search for easy at-home workouts should do the trick.
7 No one ever
regretted working out You would be hard-pressed to find someone who regretted their workout. That runner’s high is no joke, not to mention that sense of accomplishment, and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you did something good for your body and your mind. The next time you feel like putting off a workout or skipping it altogether, remember the way you felt after your last great workout—and chase that feeling. l
MARCH / APRIL 2019
FLUENTIAL 89