Of course you know that exercise helps keep us all physically fit, but did you know that it also keeps us fit socially, emotionally and psychologically as well? You receive so many benefits when you exercise. You enjoy more than just physical benefits when you stay active as you age. If you need motivation to exercise, take a look at these wonderful nonphysical benefits of staying active that just may change how you think about physical fitness. Check out theses 4 benefits of staying active as you get Older
1 – You Feel Better About Yourself
When you exercise, “feel good” chemicals and hormones are released by your brain. That’s right, there is a physiological reason you feel great after you exert yourself physically. You truly do feel good about yourself as a person when you exercise on a regular basis.
2 – Your Social Life Benefits
Humans are social animals. Most of us feel better in social settings where our friends, family members and other like-minded individuals spend time with us. When you exercise after you turn 50 years of age, you promote independence and positive self-worth. This leads to a richer social life. Many exercises and other forms of physical fitness are also social in their very nature, like hiking clubs and cycling or yoga classes.
3 – Your Brain Is Sharper and Your Memory Recall Improves
Studies have shown that frequent exercise actually improves your recall. A physically fit body leads to a sharp mind and excellent memory. Your elevated heart rate pumps blood and the aforementioned oxygen to your brain as well as every other part of your body. This keeps your brain healthy. In studies of men and women over 50, those who exercised regularly were able to recall and remember people, objects and events better than their non-exercising counterparts.
4 – Exercise Defeats Depression and Anxiety
Once again, exercise shows an enormous nonphysical benefit. A depressed individual can make very bad life choices, even going as far as suicide. Isn’t it amazing then that simple exercise on a consistent basis has proven an effective treatment for depression and anxiety? In studies of older individuals (men and women over 50) regular physical activity has been directly linked to reduced episodes of anxiety, stress and depression when compared to sedentary people the same age.
I can totally vouch for these effects. Physically my body is a mess, but if I get out and do something I feel so much better about myself. Take that step and you can feel better too!
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