Besides, the obvious benefits of exercise; weight loss and a toned body. There are numerous other health benefits related to exercise. I thought I’d make a short list of the “sometimes overlooked health benefits below.
- Exercise boosts the Immune System
- Exercise can improve Your Mood
- Exercise can improve your sleep
Did you know doing moderate exercise will actually boost your immune system? Yes, it’s true. Doing some moderate form of activity actually increases the macrophages (those are the cells that attack bacteria.) Research has proven that if you consistently work out exercise can lead to a significant boost in your immune system.
I know for a fact that this is true with my daughter and me. We are rarely sick; however, the few times that we have gotten sick, we usually bounce back within a few days without medication. I’ve observed this with my father also. He exercises a lot and although he doesn’t make all the healthy choices that I do he rarely gets sick. My mother and brother are a different story. Any germs that are going around will find a great home in their bodies. I think part of it’s due to their lifestyle choices. They don’t make healthy choices regarding their food choices, and they don’t exercise.
Ever been around someone who’s always seems to be in a toxic funk? They’re so much fun to be around right? If you aren’t careful they can affect your mood too. Don’t let them, if you’re able, distance yourself from negativity. Research has shown that exercise can improve your mood. Occasionally we all encounter stress. How are you dealing with it? One of the ways I deal with stressful situations is exercise. Exercise gives me a chance to think about the troublesome issues while I’m getting a great workout. My outlook on the issue is usually a lot better after my exercise is over. I don’t let stress control my life.
Several years ago I read an article that said exercise helps stimulate certain brain chemicals. I couldn’t track down the article or I’d have linked to it. Anyway the stimulation can help you feel happier and more laid back after your workout. If you continue to exercise, and make healthy eating choices chances are you’ll improve your appearance, and be healthier too.
I’ve noticed when I exercise I sleep much better. I usually work out in the early morning, however sometimes I can’t get a workout in until the evening. These days I rarely have problems falling asleep. Healthy eating and exercise play a role here.
You’ve got to love the added bonuses one receives from exercise, right? If you’re new to exercise, start slow encourage your friends to join you. Find online forums that can motivate and give you great fitness tips.
Exercise at Home
The beauty of exercise you can do them from numerous locations. How cool is that? You don’t have to join a gym to get a excellent workout. You can do exercises at home. Exercise can improve your health, and you most likely will feel good about yourself also.
Exercise with your children
My daughter and I spend a lot of time outdoors and yesterday was no different. We get a lot of exercise through the various activities that we engage in, both indoors and outdoors. In her case her exercises our games that we play; Tag, jumping, silly pose yoga, etc.,
I’m trying to get her into the mindset that she should stay active. Since I’ve introduced physical activity into her life at an early age. Now she thinks it odd to be cooped up in the house continually. If she saw that I wasn’t physically active she would think something was wrong with me. She would be correct since that is the only time I’m still.
Question: Have you noticed any benefits from your exercise? If so, leave a comment.
I used to be addicted to working out, then I got out of it and it is hard to get back into it. When I was working out my mood was much better. It is funny that you post this because I was just talking to my fiancee about how I need to start exercising again.
That getting back into it is the toughest part, any suggestions from anyone?
@Jenny, I would suggest you and your fiance start working out together. It is a lot easier to get motivated when you have someone else helping you along the way and it is more fun. You guys can challenge each other and push each other to do better.
Working out by yourself can be a real drag, buddy up!
@Wayne Howard, Agreed, it can be a lot easier (especially if you’ve been away for a while) to work out with someone else. I occasionally workout with a workout buddy, out schedules have changed so we don’t work out as much. I still get a great workout but I sure miss our workout time. I was able to squeeze out more reps because he was along, we encouraged each other, and teased each other too. 🙂
Hiya @Jenny, It can be challenging getting back into a routine, especially when you’ve been away from it for a while. Wayne offered some great advice. Easing back into a fitness routine can be very challenging. Think about the things you enjoyed doing before. A simple walk can be great, biking, working out to a fitness video. Perhaps start doing them for thirty minutes, a few times weekly. If you want to go pass that goal, do it however take your time. Gradually increase the amount of time you exercise.
I have noticed that I sleep better and also my daughter(4 years old) loves to try and work out with me. I believe what children see the parent doing will be something that they will like doing too. (like you mentioned)
I have also noticed more muscle definition in my arms. Something, I’ve never had before. I like that! 🙂
Hey @Evelyn,
Aren’t children great? They do enjoy following our examples. This is something I remind myself, and make sure the examples I’m giving her are positive ones.
Hey congrats on the muscle definition in your arms, it’s makes you stronger, it looks attractive and makes you feel good too. 🙂
Thank you for including my post. 🙂 Definitely exercise is a wonderful way to reduce stress and even anger. I believe that exercising produces all types of “happy hormones” to make you feel good and rejuvenated. Almost the same feeling of eating a sweet treat with the opposite effect on your body!
So, when you are feeling down and mad about something, instead of doing something destructive like bing eating or yelling, bust out a few push-ups! You’ll feel better and look better (eventually)
You’re right, @Wayne Howard, it can help reduce anger too. You’ve got to love those happy hormones, right?
Re: Mention
You’re welcome, it was a great article so of course I had to link to it. 😉
I completely agree! I usually don’t notice that exercising helps me sleep, because I exercise so regularly. But I had to take the last couple weeks off because of my wisdom teeth and finally worked out again yesterday (Yoga + a nice run) and I slept like a baby last night. Not to mention I felt great all day! So I guess the absence of being able to exercise really opened my eyes to how much I love it.
Heya @Amber,
I’m the same way, the only time I don’t work out is if I’m forced not too; the last time that happened was in 1994. I had an appendices operation; I was in the hospital for about a week.
Good read! I’m trying to walk more with my son for us to get more exercise lately, it’s just so hot here!!! So I try not to stay out too long in the heat. He likes to ride his bike while I walk. Exercise does make me sleep better I always notice this!
Heya @kaozz,
i bet, I think I mentioned to you my brother lives in Texas. A few weeks ago it was over 100 F, talk about hot. Even though I do gardening in the morning, it still was hot! Heh, I ended up working outside most of the day (crazy I know!)
That’s great that you’re getting your daughter involved early because then she’ll take it as part of everyday life.
The thing with exercise is some people refuse to do it because it sets off negative vibes in them, and so they become unhealthy couch potatoes.
They should get out and do something constructive. Instead of driving to the corner store, walk! Not only are you getting exercise, you’re saving the environment. And women, did you know that sex was a great form of exercise? Well it is, so make your husband happy and give him some booty, and if you see my wife could you tell her about it. 😉
Heya @Sire,
It’s nice seeing you around here. 🙂
You’re right about the negative vibes, trying to turn them off can be difficult for some people. I get those same negative vibes when it comes to tossing some of my things. Or at times just focusing on one project at a time. I’m a multi-tasker.
Yeah sex is a great form of exercise, it gives you feel good vibes too. Which I believe is pure win!
@Moondancer, Yep, it releases all the right endorphins, I think that’s the right word, and brings you closer together, a whole lot closer 😉
@Sire, LOL indeed it does… 🙂
I am so very naughty. I know I need to exercise but I just don’t. I don’t even walk the dogs anymore.
Thank you, Opal, you have given me the right kind of kick up the behind to get cracking, get sleeping and get focused again.
Heya @Megan from Australia,
It can be hard getting back into an old routine, I know. 🙂 Take personal blogging… it’s something I did for years, and then a few years ago I just stopped. Sure, I have my niche sites, but those aren;t the same. Not the same community vibe, you know?
Personal blogging was a gentle workout for my brain, since it was a way I forced myself to write about whatever I was thinking about. I used to do it often as a child, but I stopped because I was “too busy.” When I sat down to write my thoughts were blocked, constipated writing set in and instead of looking for solutions to eliminate the issues, I walked away…
Anyway, I felt guilty that I wasn’t writing and because of that I avoided a lot of my favorite sites (such as yours) since it would have made me feel even more guilty, yep pushing things away that bothers you always works! Ok, not really! 😉
I did the P90X program over the holidays and it was GREAT. Since then I’ve slacked a bit but getting back in into the groove now. It’s amazing how much better I feel!! (The vegetarian diet also helps a ton.) Visiting from SITS and looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Hi @Charlene,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I recently heard about P90X. A blog buddy/twitter pal asked me if that was what I was doing when I tweeted a workout. I had never heard of it before until he mentioned that. I just do my normal gym workout routines.
Yes how you eat is helpful too. I’m Vegan, made the switch in 1992 (vegetarian for a few months before I leaped into Veganism.) I ate healthy before making the switch and felt great, so I was mildy suprised when I felt even better on a plant based diet.
I love SITS! It’s a great virtual community and I really enjoy how SITS recognizes those within its community via posts. 🙂 I try to do the same here. It’s always nice to share, and SITS does it often.
I popped by your virtual home, and left a comment on your Tah Dah list. I loved it. You’ve been added to my RSS feed aggregator, so I’ll be back. 🙂 I’ve met so many wonderful bloggers because of SITS. 😉
How about improving focus and attention? Love the post! I wish more people would realize the benefits of exercise and being healthy and not just see it as a fat or not concept! Exercise and nutrition are key to having a happy healthy life!
Hello @Tutus and Tantrumns,
You’re right, it does that too. Unfortunately, media doesn’t help with the fat or not concept. It’s something that we are bombarded with constantly. I imagine that makes it hard for some folks, and it can be depressing getting back on track.
You’re correct about exercise and nutrition, those are so important! Eating right and getting adequate exercise can be great for your emotional health too. 🙂
I agree with Jenny above. My mood is better when exercising. And I dont eat as much..Im amazed how when a person dosent eat alot they arent as hungry and appetite goes down. Id a never of believed it.
@Janet McDonald, It’s amazing, right? I eat a lot of small meals throughout the day also. My body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest the food.
I have to remember that when I think I “don’t have time” to exercise, the benefits I can gain from good sleep and more energy makes up for it. I’m more productive and can spare the 30 minutes.
@Melinda, At times we all have to do that, I remind myself this when I think I don’t have time to do something such as declutter my living space. I’m at the point where I make the time to do it, because the benefits are amazing. Even if I still can’t find my that darned library book! 😉
@Moondancer, LOL as long as it isn’t in the refrigerator I think you are OK.
I have to admit that I’m the contrary body; figures, right? I find that exercise darkens my mood, but I’m doing it anyway. Unless I go with my wife, I exercise angry; I’m betting you never heard of that. It’s like it’s me against the world, and I don’t want anyone to bother me. I think people notice I’m more friendly when I’m with my wife than when I go by myself; not sure why that is.
I also don’t sleep better, but I have sleep issues anyway so I never thought exercise would change that. Still, maybe long term the benefits of exercise & some of the other things I’m doing will work on that.
Heya @Mitch,
Let’s see I used to hate running. Why I have no idea since I ran everywhere as a child, but that was different I guess since the running involved sports or a game. However running around a track got on my nerves and wasn’t fun at all. I had to work on changing those feelings. Lot of positive visualization was used, and eventually my attitude did change. Perhaps think of ways you can change your attitude about exercise so it will be more enjoyable for yourself. It’s always nice having someone to work out with too.
Exercise is my time go over goals or think of new ideas. At times it’s frustrating since I can’t write those ideas down, lol. I do once the exercise is over.
Here’s hoping the exercise, combined with the other things you’re doing has a positive effect on your sleep. 🙂 When I was younger, I used to have problems sleeping. My mind was always thinking, and it was hard to get it to shut off. 😉
It’s wonderful that you are encouraging exercise of all kinds with your daughter. While I think it is important for children to stay active I think it is just important that we are not sending negative self-image messages to our daughters. A large amount of a girls body image develops from their interactions with their mothers.
Hi @Rose, The exercises my daughter and I do really aren’t exercise to her since we’re playing games. They’re similar to the games I played as a child. (kickball, tag, dodge ball, Simon Says, hide & seek, etc.) I didn’t see them as “exercise” but they were! 🙂 I agree it’s important to send the right to children so they don’t develop negative self images. I tell her all the time that she’s beautiful, and that people come in all different sizes and they are beautiful too.
I also know that it’s equally important to instill good habits now, so yes I when she wants to play, I play with her. I don’t always want to get out there, but I go if I don’t have work to do. She gets a lot of exercise from our playtime and so do I. Additionally teaching good eating habits now is important so she doesn’t set up bad habits she might want to try and undo later, which can be stressful.
Regardless of a child’s size, they can still face self-image issues. There are other areas that can make a child feel insecure. For example, my daughter wondering why most children in her school our pale. She’s not… Why her hair is curly when most of the children in her class have straight hair? Why doesn’t she have a father when most kids in the class have two parents? At that age it can be hard to be different. How did I deal with it? I let her know that it was ok to be different from her classmates. She’s beautiful, just the way she is. Her father might be dead, but she has a loving grandfather that would do anything for her.
I experienced the exact same thing at her age. Just like her, I went to a predominantly white school. My brother and I were the only minorities. Unlike her at times, I did get teased because I did look different. When I faced those same issues (race & hair) as a young child, it was hurtful. However my mother (and more specifically my father) did a great job of making me feel proud of whom I am. Father’s can be great role models for their daughters self-image too.
I developed self-confidence at a very early age, and eventually the few petty things people said about me (because I looked different from them) had no effect. That was a powerful tool to have at such an early age, and I’m grateful for that. Things people have said about me over the years simply don’t bother me. 🙂 I’m thankful that my family was loving and supportive of myself and my brother.
It’s important to build those bonds with her now. She knows I’m always here for her. We might not always agree, and that’s ok. I still love her. My daughter definitely has the love and support from myself, and it’s my hope she continues to develop a positive self image too.
@Moondancer, I hope I didn’t offend you with my comment. You sound like you have a wonderful relationship with your daughter.
@Rose, of course you didn’t offend me. self image is something we all might deal with at some point, in my case it was different. Your post did trigger some great memories of time with family. I was a daddy’s girl. I still am! 😉
I walk for an hour in the morning as a combination stress reliever/ head clearing/ and fitness pursuit. If I miss a day or two I begin to feel out-of-sorts.
At home I do yoga with my girls, which is fun for all of us. I love how yoga works your body while also calming and centering the mind and spirit.
@Evelyn, Oh I do love yoga, walking is great too. July of this year, my father is turned 72 years old, he still works out at the gym, lifts heavy, does cardio. He told me he hadn’t run in a little while, so to get back into that he started walking. He’s back to running again. 🙂
It’s an excellent post, and more people need to see it – you’re exactly right about the benefits of exercise, and the thing is: one doesn’t need that much. We’re talking 10-20 minutes a day: just get out and walk for a bit!
If people start whining about that little bit, boy are we in trouble.
@ashok, I agree, you don’t need that much exercise but we do need to exercise. At times, we give all sorts of excuses why we aren’t doing it.
The sad thing is, some people will whine about that little bit of exercises or give fairly convincing reasons why they can’t do it. Having seen people exercise with major obstacles (physical handicaps) I cannot help but think their reasons aren’t valid.
I love doing my morning routine right after waking up. I feel I can do anything during the day and I always feel my best 🙂
Hiya @Cindy @graphic design,
Morning is a great time to complete your workout routine. I have so much energy when doing this. My morning workout usually involves some type of gardening work. Occasionally I’ll toss yoga in the rotation too! Mid afternoon I’m usually working out at home, or headed for the gym. 🙂
Thanks for the timely reminder of the benefits of exercising. I’ve stayed away from exercising too long. Time to get back on track. I love that euphoric feeling that you get following the workout.
@Wayne Farley, That feeling is hard to duplicate. I love it!
First of all, I would like to compliment you on your website layout. I like! Now down to the topic: Exercising. I knew that exercising was helpful for improving our mood and our immune system but I didn’t realize that it help us sleep better at night. It is hard at times keeping up the exercise routine. I know I have to stay motivated because I am not so worried about losing weight. I’m more for being healthy. Thanks for the insightful post!
Hello @Arabia (Ms_Thang_1),
Thanks for the compliment, and thanks for stopping by too. I’m really enjoying your site/poetry. You’re in my RSS feed.
Re: exercise
Yep, I know what you mean. I don’t need to lose weight. The way exercise makes me feel, is a huge source of my motivation. 🙂
Hi Moondancer,
3 excellent reasons to exercise! I must say that some days when I feel a little cranky, the best thing for me to do is move it!! Love *** much better i feel after a workout!
Hi @Holly,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m right there with you, on my days I’m not feeling the greatest (kind of rare) exercise makes me feel great!
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