The benefits of exercise are numerous and go well beyond simple weight loss. From mood boosting to bone building, there are plenty of reasons to lace up your trainers – beyond dropping a dress size.
1. Better bone health
When it comes to your bones, exercise works on multiple levels. Weight-bearing exercise includes the day-to-day stuff such as walking and stair-climbing as well as sports like tennis, running and even dancing. Resistance training also helps to stimulate bone growth as well as prevent bone loss.
2. Reduced risk of life-threatening illness
The list of illnesses that exercise can help to prevent or alleviate is extensive. Exercise helps in a number of ways. It improves heart health, increases your body’s response to insulin, it lessens the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and strengthens muscles to help prevent joint pain.
3. Improved mood
You’ve mainly got the release of those feel-good chemicals, endorphins, to thank for the boost in mood that comes from a good workout. Scientists also believe that the release of the neurotransmitter epinephrine further acts to lift mood.
4. Increased energy levels
The improved blood flow and subsequent boost in oxygen and nutrient delivery is mainly how exercise lifts you from a sloth-like state. A study undertaken by the University of Georgia discovered healthy-but-sedentary participants who engaged in 20 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity exercise just three times a week for six weeks found they felt less tired and more energetic.
Amrap 15 minutes:
21 Split Jumps
21 T2B
21 Push ups
for HUNGER Games and extra work:
Amrap 10 minutes:
5 Power Snatch 75/55
5 WB 20/14
10 DUs