When you think of exercise, you probably think of lifting weights to firm flab or running on the treadmill to drop some pounds before bikini season hits. While losing weight and toning and building muscle are the most well-known rewards of working out, exercising has many other lesser-known positive effects as well.
Everyone knows that exercise is important for your health and figure, but many women still have trouble sticking with their workouts over a long period of time. Exercising without focusing solely on a number on a scale is an effective way to stay motivated and transform your exercise routine into a lifestyle rather than a daily chore. The next time you’re dragging your feet on the way to the gym, consider these physical, mental, and emotional benefits of exercise that have nothing to do with weight or muscle mass.
1. Glowing Skin
If you’re like most women, you’re probably always eager to learn about new skin care techniques. As it turns out, exercising regularly is one of the best ways to keep your skin clear and bright naturally.
Working out causes you to produce more sweat and stimulates your blood flow. This helps detoxify you skin for a brighter finish and fewer breakouts.
2. More Energy
One of the best advantages of exercise is the energy boost it gives you. Exercising is proven to reduce fatigue, especially in those that make working out a part of their everyday routine.
On the flip side of this benefit, exercising also helps you sleep better. It helps you sleep more deeply and prevents insomnia.
3. Higher Libido
A fun reward of exercise is a higher libido. Scientific studies and a ton of anecdotal evidence points toward exercising regularly as an effective method of improving your libido.
Working out on a regular basis enhances your sex life in a variety of ways. It increases your sexual stamina and makes you more flexible over time. Plus, it naturally boosts your own body confidence, which is an important part of enjoying sex–especially for women. Exercising even improves your circulation, which can help you feel more aroused and obtain more pleasure from sex.
4. Lower Risk of Disease
Countless studies show that maintaining a regular exercise routine lowers your risk of developing many different serious diseases. Both strength training and low-intensity cardio are the ideal forms of exercise for warding off disease.
Exercising can lower your risk of developing many common diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Both the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and its improvement of your circulation are important properties of exercise that help stave off various diseases.
5. More Serotonin
Serotonin is the special chemical in your brain that helps fight off depression and other mental illnesses. It’s important to remember that exercise is not a cure for depression.
However, exercising can increase your serotonin levels, which can lower your risk of developing depression. An increase in serotonin production can also help ease the symptoms of depressive episodes if you already experience them.
