The case will always rest, exercise is good for you. I know, big shocker! Even simple exercises such as walking or jogging can bring you a step (no pun intended) closer to becoming a healthier, new you.

It has been proven several times over that those who exercise regularly tend to live longer, but why? I think we need to examine the effects of lack of exercise and what it does to the body. I know I am experiencing these symptoms myself: increase in weight, fatigue, loss of flexibility, increase in laziness, inability to do simple tasks, decrease in self-esteem, knee pain, lack of mobility, increase in risk of injuries, and depression.

In essence, lack of exercise is a probable cause of the never-ending “tired” look we all have developed some time in our lives. You all know what I’m talking about- dark circles under the eyes, paleness in the face, and bloodshot eyes; in other words, you aren’t alert and living to your full potential.

If you have been slacking in the physical activity department, it’s not too late for you. It is time for you to get back on track to looking and feeling gorgeous again!

So, what is the answer to rehabilitating the body post lack-of-exercise syndrome? Get back into it. Even though it may be difficult getting back into a regular exercise routine, you may notice a change in your body after just a couple weeks of regular physical activity.

You can have a healthy diet, yet your body still needs some type of physical activity. Why? We are boosting the working demands of the muscles when we exercise. When our bodies are doing physical movement the muscles are working like electrical motors; they take in a source of energy and store it for later use. The stored energy is used throughout your day, which is why most experts suggest exercising at the start of your day. Also, exercising increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs; your blood vessels will widen and deliver more oxygen to your muscles, thus carrying away waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body then releases endorphins, a natural painkiller to low self-esteem. When you exercise, your body actually starts to do its job. Amazing, huh?

Since your body is finally working, exercise promotes these positive aspects:

• Reduction in health risks such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
• Safeguarding of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and chronic muscle pain.
• Maintenance of weight; with a healthy diet and exercise plan you can lose weight. Fad diets are tempting, but you usually gain back the weight you lost. Exercise, plus healthy eating habits, helps you actually keep it off.
• Activates your immune system warding off viral illnesses.
• Strengthens your heart, improving blood flow to the rest of your body.
• Boosts your mood and promotes relaxation; helping to ward off depression symptoms
• And need I say more? Exercise is good!

We all know that a regular exercise program is good for us, but people often ignore its importance. Even a person who never smokes or drinks and has a healthy diet still needs to break a good sweat every once and a while. 

So, if you want to look and feel your best, it is time to get out and get your muscles moving. No matter your lifestyle, even if you say you are too busy to exercise, it is always possible to fit physical activity into your everyday lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Women’s Diet and Fitness and Glamour