Top Five Reasons Why Moving Is Good for You

February 15, 2016

by Mankato Clinic

1: Once you start getting more exercise, you may notice your waist-line shrinking, but chances are you’ll also notice your mood improving. That’s because physical activity stimulates multiple brain chemicals, like endorphins, which are released when you exercise. After working out, you may find that you feel less stressed and have a higher self-esteem than before you started.

2: When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. Thus, the more intense the activity, the more calories you will burn. Even if you can’t do a full workout, be more active throughout the day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away at work and finding a few moments each day when you can walk briskly. After all, our bodies were meant to keep moving.

3: The health benefits of exercise, even a brisk 30 minute walk, are hard to ignore and the benefits are yours if you want them. Exercise not only helps you feel great, but it burns calories, lowers your blood pressure and reduces your LDL (bad) cholesterol while boosting your HDL (good) cholesterol.

4: If you suffer from poor sleep, daily exercise can make a big difference. Regular exercise provides improvement in your general quality of sleep, quicker sleep on-set, longer sleep duration and leaves you feeling more rested in the morning.

5: It can be overwhelming to begin an exercise routine, but don’t let that stop you. A little bit each day will help you feel better than the previous day. In no time at all you’ll be surprised by what you’ve been able to accomplish simply my moving your body.