Why work out?

The thought of abnormal breathing while gasping for air, muscle pains and excessive sweating that accompany working out may not necessarily be your image of fun. I mean let’s face it, it’s not pretty! However, the pros of exercising outnumber the cons because in due course the benefits are completely rewarding. There are three categories of people who exercise. The first group consists of those who start working out and don’t give up until they reach their set target; these are perseveres. The second category start exercising and give up somewhere along the way; they are the quitters, and the third group are what we can call the “couch potatoes,” well let’s just say they never get around to exercising! Without self motivation, willpower and commitment, people will never become perseveres. People employ various methods to help them focus and not giving up on exercise, the key is to find something that works best for you, and make up your mind to stick to it. Off course this is easier said than done, but it’s possible! To illustrate this point, a lady friend of mine once cut out an image of a slim lady in a magazine and stuck it on her fridge, as a constant reminder of what she wants to look like in a year’s time, and guess what, it worked for her. What a way to keep somebody off chocolate bars and on a treadmill! So why work out? It’s simple, in addition to physical fitness, working out will improve your emotional and mental well being. Working out keeps you alert With exercise, not only will you sleep better at night, but your concentration will be elevated when you are awake. When we exercise our blood flows faster, ultimately supplying our brains with more oxygen. I know someone who started exercising during her exams and felt a considerable improvement in her levels of concentration when studying for the following exams. Working out improves your mood Working out has a positive effect on one’s mental health. Studies reveal that exercise stimulates the release of “feel good” chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, which consequently causes us to have what is commonly known as a “natural high”. So why not release stress through physical exercise and feel relaxed and refreshed in return? If you don’t particularly enjoy a full rigorous workout, try doing something less straining, especially if it’s an exercise you enjoy, like dancing. In addition to relieving stress, endorphins are believed to relieve pain, enhance the immune system, and delay the aging process. Working out makes you healthy Regular exercise keeps away many illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. If this doesn’t prompt you to exercise, I don’t know what will! If you exercise with the main purpose of staying healthy, all the other benefits will naturally follow; in time you will enjoy your physical fitness and emotional wellbeing. Exercising enhances the quality of your life. So anytime you feel like you want to give up, know that all the huffing and panting during your difficult workouts will be worth it in the end. ms.hagan@gmail.com