Exercise isn’t about just looking better; it is about living better. Whether it is lifting weights to build strength and muscle or doing cardio to gain endurance and stay fit, both can enhance your life. However, only about 20% of Americans regularly work out according to GymDesk. Some feel that if more people realized the benefits of working out, the number would be much higher.
So what happens when you exercise? Your heart rate goes up, your blood flow increases, and your brain releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers and mood boosters. When exercising regularly, your blood pressure remains lower, your metabolism is enhanced, and it can also boost your mental health. In addition, doing cardio can help you lose weight by burning calories, as well as build your stamina and lung capacity.
“Exercise has made many positive changes in my life. I look better and am a lot stronger now, too. It has given me a lot of confidence in myself that I didn’t have a couple of years ago,” said FCHS junior Jackson Evans.
Exercise also provides a boost to one’s mental health. Many gym goers use the gym to reduce stress or feel better. This is because activity can lower your cortisol. Known as the “stress hormone,” when cortisol levels are high, so is your stress, so doing anything you can to lower cortisol is a plus
“I got into the gym after being made fun of for my appearance, and decided I needed to change. Now that I am bigger and stronger, it has made those comments ineffective,” said sophomore Maxwell Cantagallo.
Going to the gym can have an added benefit: It can strengthen your ability to build better habits. Scheduling regular workouts and endeavoring to build better eating habits can have long-term benefits, both physically and mentally. Sophomore James White noted that he has built such habits to better his body and overall health.
“Exercise has made me more locked in to my nutrition and how I eat, as well as build habits that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
The discipline that comes with regular workouts can help you stay focused and accomplish more. Even when you’re feeling unmotivated, pushing through and knowing that exercise and better nutrition will pay dividends may be all the motivation you need. Many successful people have claimed that their discipline is the reason that they got to where they are today.
As for Evans, he says that his discipline for the gym has also helped him with other aspects of life. “Seeing progress and constantly wanting to better myself keeps me disciplined and wanting more. It’s also helped me stay on top of other things like school work and doing better at my job.”
Summer can represent a great opportunity to get started on a workout program. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these links:
