Fit For Life: Be UNSTOPPABLE

Fit For Life: Be UNSTOPPABLE

I started working out to get bigger and look better.  When I started in the fitness business over 20 years ago, I remember when people would work out to drop a few pounds. Or get ready for beach season.  Fast-forward to today and it seems as though more people start exercising due to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Sometimes it’s a life or death situation to lose weight and become more fit. Whatever your reason to start or continue to exercise, here are a few more reasons many people don't know about – but might just inspire you to get started…

Exercise increases your sex drive. 

First, exercise not only makes you feel more desirable, it stimulates blood flow, which releases endorphins that release testosterone and other hormones. Second, you will have a better self-image and that enhancement leads to a greater sex drive. A big part of better sex is feeling sexy. Research shows that people who exercise have an improved body image over people who do not exercise. Being more comfortable with your body leads to better and more relaxed sex. 

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Exercise also makes you smarter. 

Studies have shown that exercise releases brain chemicals that help with the retention process of new information. The reason for this is when you exercise, your blood pressure and blood flow increases, which in turn shuttles more oxygen through the entire body - brain included. It raises your focus for up to two to three hours afterwards, so it is advisable to work out just before a test or presentation, so you will peak when you perform. On a more scientific level, it makes the hippocampus super active, and when you rev up these neurons, cognitive function improves. This pattern works better with regular exercise, because the benefits can quickly recede. So be regular with your exercise patterns, not hit or miss.   

Exercise aids in digestion.

If the food we eat doesn't get digested properly, a whole lot of problems can arise in the body, such as: gastrointestinal issues, acidity, acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, bloating, and even bad breath. This is why healthy digestion is probably the most important element to your health. If you can't utilize good nutrients, and eliminate bad bacteria, you end up sick, diseased, and overweight. During exercise, your heart rate and breathing increase, thus stimulating muscles that support the digestive tract, which in turn makes it more active and efficient.

Exercise makes you look better.

No doubt about it. Regardless of what your fashion statement is, your clothes will fit better, and therefore you’ll be looking better.  You’ll have more choices in the clothes that you can shop for.  Even your shoes will fit better.  And ladies – the high heels you want to wear will be more comfortable when they aren’t carrying all that extra weight.  If you’re in a competitive work environment, men, your suits and even casual Friday wear will look more professional, neat and crisp.

So what will be your reason?  Find that motivation that works best for you.  If one of these inspires you to get started, then go with it, but remember, ultimately it is your health that is at stake.  And that impacts all the people around you – your spouse or partner, your children, your family.  It impacts your ability to earn a living.   To have a positive outlook in life.  To be happy.  We all need to keep moving – the rewards just keep adding up – so, start now….and let me know what motivates you!  Leave a message on Facebook or Twitter….and I’ll share your motivation with others.  We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one!

Matt Espeut, GoLocal's Health & Lifestyle Contributor has been a personal trainer and health & fitnesss consultant for over 25 years. He is the owner of Fitness Profiles, a one on one, and small group personal training company, as well as Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, located at 1284 North Main St., on the Providence/Pawtucket line. You can reach Matt at (401) 453-3200; on Facebook at "Matt Espeut", and on Twitter at @MattEspeut. "We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one!"its fullest.