We often think of exercise as something we should do when we want to lose weight. While that is one potential benefit of exercise, there are so many others that get looked over and forgotten about. Exercise is a tool meant to be used frequently for the duration of our lives, not a dreaded experience intended to punish ourselves. 

Let’s reframe the belief that we have to exercise because we hate ourselves, to getting to exercise because we love ourselves. 

The physical benefits of exercise are very well-known. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, biking, or swimming, is something we should do every day. Not only does it help keep our heart healthy, it also greatly improves our mood, self-esteem, and confidence. Along with that, cardiovascular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 

Resistance training, such as weight lifting, using weight machines, bodyweight training, or band training, have all of the above mentioned benefits. This type of training also helps us get stronger, increase our bone density as we age, remain able-bodied longer, and enjoy how our bodies look and feel. Resistance training should be incorporated at least three times per week. 

When we are strong, confident, and healthy, our lives are much more enjoyable as we can do more of the things we want to and have less to worry about. 

There are other benefits of exercise that aren’t as widely talked about. Regular exercise helps us learn about ourselves and grow through challenge and competition. 

We don’t change much when life is easy, and challenging ourselves through exercise is a great, healthy way to add adversity to our lives in an environment where it is safe to fail. 

Exercise helps make us stronger by stressing and damaging our muscles with microtears. While we recover, these tears heal and the muscles become stronger than they were before. This same concept applies to the other challenges we face through exercise. When we push ourselves while in a safe environment, we allow ourselves to become stronger, both physically and mentally. 

Facing challenges in a controlled, exercise environment allows us to build up strength and resilience that can carry over into the rest of our lives, where the conditions may not be so fair. 

Lastly, exercise is one of the best ways we can change our mental state at the moment. The connection between the mind and body is becoming better understood each day, and it’s clear that they each have an impact on the other. 

If we are struggling mentally, with feelings such as stress, anxiety, or sadness, moving our body can help shift this state. Exercise releases endorphins, which help us feel better not only during and immediately after exercise, but also in the days that follow. 

It’s easy to get stuck feeling like exercise is a burden. Next time you’re struggling to take action, remember some of the forgotten benefits that completing your workout will bring you. You’ll always feel better on the other side.