The Benefits of Regular Exercise

Why Everyone Should Make Time for Physical Activity

Luís Próspero
3 min readJan 8, 2023
Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash

Are you someone who always seems to make excuses for not exercising?

“I don’t have enough time”

“I’m too tired”

“I’m just not athletic”

If so, it’s time to say goodbye to those excuses and start reaping the numerous benefits of regular physical activity.

Physical activity has a myriad of benefits for our overall health and well-being.

Of course, it helps to maintain a healthy weight, but the benefits of regular exercise go far beyond just weight management.

Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood flow.

It can also increase muscle strength and flexibility, making it easier to perform everyday tasks and reducing the risk of injury.

And let’s not forget about the benefits of sleep: regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.

But the benefits of exercise go beyond just the physical

Regular physical activity can also have a major impact on our mental health.

Have you ever noticed that you feel more energized and focused after a workout?

That’s because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Exercise can also help reduce stress and improve mood, making it an effective tool in stress management.

In fact, studies have shown that regular physical activity can even boost brain function and cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving skills.

Now that we’ve established the numerous benefits of exercise, let’s talk about how to get started

The first step is finding an activity that you enjoy.

Don’t like running? No problem.

There are plenty of other options out there, such as yoga, dancing, cycling, or swimming.

The key is to find something that you look forward to and that fits your lifestyle.

If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors, consider going for a hike or joining a recreational sports league.

If you prefer a more low-key workout, try an at-home exercise program or a yoga class.

The options are endless, so take the time to find something that you truly enjoy.

Once you’ve found an activity you enjoy, the next step is setting goals and creating a plan

Start small and be realistic.

If you’re new to exercise, try setting a goal of working out three times a week for 30 minutes.

As you get more comfortable with your routine, you can gradually increase the intensity or frequency of your workouts.

It can also be helpful to enlist the support of friends, family, or a coach to help keep you accountable and motivated.

Having a workout buddy or a personal trainer can provide the encouragement and support you need to stay on track.

Of course, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way.

Maybe you’ll have a particularly busy week at work, or you’ll be feeling under the weather.

It’s important to be flexible and remember that it’s okay to take a break when you need it.

But don’t let these setbacks derail your progress completely.

Remember all of the amazing benefits that regular exercise can bring to your life.

So the next time you find yourself making excuses for not exercising, think about all of the ways that regular physical activity can improve your health and well-being.

Trust me, your body (and mind) will thank you.

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Luís Próspero
Luís Próspero

Written by Luís Próspero

I have a very long list of universities from which I've dropped out. I've learned a lot just by being thrown around by life.

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