Since starting this blog and pursuing a healthier and balanced lifestyle, as well as eating well and nourishing my body exercise has also been a part of this journey. From doing very little, then over exercising and then taking a more relaxed approach to fitness one thing has always remained the same: how much I love to workout.
Whether I’m doing yoga; off out for a run; in the gym on the cardio machines; lifting weights or just dancing to music whilst I’m doing the house chores I just love being able to move. This is something that I’ve really been able to appreciate more during pregnancy where my exercise has been minimised and stripped back to basics. I’m really looking forward to getting back to my regular workouts and fitness levels when I’m physically and medically able to post-birth, but the past 9 months has demonstrated to me that there is more than just the fitness aspect to exercise. I often feel that there is an emotional connection to my workouts as I always feel better afterwards. Exercising for me has always been about the psychological advantages and the health benefits are just a fantastic bonus.
I’ve listed some of the psychological and non-fitness related benefits of exercise for me below:
Gives a sense of routine
After a long duration where I haven’t been able to workout because of a holiday or illness, I relish in the fact that I can get back to the gym. I like to think of myself as organised and I’m very much about having a routine, although I’m sure this will go out the window when my little one gets here. I like to start my day with some kind of exercise in the morning to get it out-of-the-way and my routine has been like this over the past few years. I do miss exercising on the days that I have scheduled a workout in because I feel a little out of sorts that my routine has been disrupted and my day hasn’t started off right. Even though I acknowledge the benefits of resting from working out when needed I still love getting back to my usual routine. This is something that I’m definitely going to have to sort out in my head and work on when my little Mister arrives.
Therapeutic benefits
Except for when I attend fitness classes I always like to exercise alone and not with a friend. Not only do I find that I’m more productive during a workout, but I like having the time to myself with my own thoughts. It may sound anti-social, but it allows me to unwind and de-stress without being distracted. I also feel ready to tackle my day head on after a morning workout because I’ve had the time to de-clutter my brain and feel more ready for the day.
Feeling great after a workout
There is nothing like that post-workout high due to the bodies natural happy pill serotonin being released during exercise. On days when I don’t feel like working out or if I’m feeling lazy I always try to give myself a kick up the butt and get moving because I know how great I’ll feel afterwards. Serotonin works with a group of endorphins released in the brain to promote a general feeling of happiness and makes your workout more pleasurable.
A better night’s sleep
On days where I do fit in a workout, I find that I get a more restful night’s sleep compared to when I don’t workout. I think this may be due to using up any excess energy that I may be harbouring. It also means that I’m more likely to go to bed early due to tiredness instead of staying up late so I get a good 8 hours in and feel great the next day.
So there are some of my non-fitness related benefits of working out. I love that we can get so much more from exercise other than the obvious health benefits as it gives me even more of an incentive to workout, especially on a cold and miserable day.
Do you believe that there is more to exercise than just the health benefits? How do you feel after a workout? Other than being healthy, why is exercise important to you?
I think you are right about all the other benefits, I just think you need to find the exercise that is right for you.
#UKBloggers
fashion-mommy recently posted…George at Asda – The Autumn Checklist
I definitely enjoy runs on my own as a chance to de-stress and take my mind off of work and everything else. I don’t function right if I don’t get a couple of lone runs in each week!
Mary recently posted…How did September go by so fast?!
This article is so true, a true reflection of a healthy lifestyle.
Exercising benefits not just me but my whole family. I feel less stressed, I get an hour a day just for me and I sleep better. I feel healthier so have more energy to run around with my son. I have gone from the mum who can’t to the mum who can.
It also has a positive effect on my son, now he sees me exercise he wants to get involved more. My husband has always been active, now we are an active healthy family who spend so much more fun time together away from the TV and xbox. Now that has to be the best benefit!
I agree with all the points you’ve made. I began a new fitness routine three weeks ago and I’m feeling so much better for it. I love my routine now and have tons more energy.
Good for you! Its so important to have more reasons to move about than just weight, and you’ve listed so many great ones! I’m not one to hit the gym, but do love the feel of a good active afternoon up and about
Lavende & Lemonade recently posted…Spaghetti Squash Oregano Bake
There’s no better medicine than a good workout. It helps with my depression and anxiety and overall bodily health.
Lana recently posted…Bucket List: Autumn 2014 Edition
Not only does working out give me a better nights sleep than I already have, it makes me happier, more confident. I also love incorporating Yoga into it all too, to relax my mind…that I didn’t even realize was so busy. I thought it was easy to let things go, but yoga made it even more easier if that makes sense.
Nancy recently posted…Classic and colourful Ame & Lulu bags
The feeling after working out is what keeps making me do it. I don’t always want to workout, but I always feel amazing after!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Workout Clothes, Carrots, Unicorns and Mexican Food by Dannii
These are all super true, I wish I could bring myself to working out though!
I completely agree that there is nothing better than that post-workout high! My body feels happy and my mind feels happy that I’m working on getting healthier <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted…September According to my iPhone
I definitely agree that there are more benefits to working out besides healthy benefits. For me, next to the health benefits, I just love how happy it makes mes feel!
brita recently posted…ONE YEAR Blogiversary Giveaway + Birthday Cake Recipe
I seriously wish that I loved exercise. I have yet to find something I really enjoy doing though.. except yoga, I did enjoy that when I made a routine of it. I need to get back into that!
Chelsea recently posted…Comfy Fall Fashion With Payless
I agree so many great benefits for exercising, I think just need to find something that you enjoy and that works for you.
Sophie
xx
http://www.pocockins.co.uk
sophie recently posted…Bedroom Wishlist H&M ❤
I totally think that there are MORE than just physical health benefits involved with exercising. Honestly though, even though I love exercising and it’s ideal for me - I still struggle with motivation right now!
Agreed I can not wait to not be pregnant to start training again. But now I have to fix my foot before so yay for healthy eating!
Erica recently posted…You can never go wrong with Marvel Super Heroes in my house. #InfinityHeroes
Running is totally one of the times I take to think and and go over things in my head. Thanks for sharing!
Brenda recently posted…Friday Funny:Jimmy Fallon LipSync
this was really fun to read! I can always tell a difference with my day depending on the amount of exercise I get.
There are plenty of days that I don’t feel like going, some days I just want to stay home and NOT workout. But on those days I drag myself outside or to the gym and afterwards I feel amazing. I feel happy, I sleep better, I feel better. You are so dead on. Exercise is so much more than getting physically fit.
Angela Livingston recently posted…Natural Autumn Decor
I agree completely. I always feel better after a workout. I think exercise has significant mental benefits too.
Tammi recently posted…Five Senses of Fall and Autumn
I totally agree, exercise also increases my productivity and happiness outside of the gym! Great post, very motivating to get moving!
Tanaya’s Table recently posted…Foodie Protip: Chicken And Waffles. In A Cone. One Night Only!
I totally agree - when I’m out and moving I feel the anxiety melt away!
kendall recently posted…Put the kids to bed and play Disney Infinity Games!
I sleep so much better when I’m on a proper workout routine, or just being more active in general.
Amby Felix recently posted…How to Make Unicorn Poop Cookies
I definitely believe that a workout is great for more things than just getting in shape. I know I always feel a little less stressed after a good run!
Carly Anderson recently posted…Shop Feature: Leap of Faith Clothing
so many pros to working out. I feel the same about sleeping too, I know I had a good run if I had a good night sleep!
Alyssa recently posted…easy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
I agree with so much of this! It’s so true! I am all about healthy eating but I have yet to master the workout part of the puzzle. When I am active and consistent there seems to be more mental benefits than physical! Great post!
Susan @ 2 cats & chloe recently posted…Friday Dance Party: T.Swift vs The M.Train.
I do there are more benefits to exercise that fitness, but it is so difficult for me to get into a routine, I am struggling to get started, once the ball is rolling I know I will be fine!
Andi recently posted…Friday Foodie â Kristi of Inspiration Kitchen
I really need to get back into working out. I go through phases of doing really well, then I lose it again! So annoying. I love the endorphins!
Katie #<3
Katie Matthews recently posted…Leighton Denny
It’s so true - I feel sooo much better after a workout, and I find I have so much more energy during the day. I also make healthier choices with food and such when I exercise regularly.
I feel I get all 4 of the benefits you listed when I stick to a workout routine! It definitely pays off!
Erica recently posted…New & New
These are all great benefits! My favorite is sleeping better at night (when the little one doesn’t wake up, haha).
Jessica Doll recently posted…Sandos Finisterra Hotel Review