Want to Stay Inspired to Exercise this 2015? Read This

Amy Taylor January 06, 2015

At the start of each year, hundreds of people swear by losing weight and exercising. There’s no wonder why gym memberships are at peak during January. But how many people are really able to push it through for the entire year and make it a habit that stick?

If you really are serious about incorporating regular exercise into your life, you should start looking at the positives rather than the negatives (hardships, body pain, etc.) And to help keep you inspired to sweat more and move more this 2015, check out these unexpected benefits of exercising:

Fewer Migraines

Migraine is the most common neurological condition in the developed world. And oftentimes, this debilitating headache takes a toll on workers’ health and productivity. According to a research published in the journal Cephalalgia, regular physical activity may be able to prevent migraines as well as drugs or relaxation therapy.

Better Mental Health

Physical activity is not only good for your physical health. It’s good for your mental well-being as well. Exercise and physical activity play a crucial role in how you feel about yourself and life. Research has shown that exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good - boosting your self-esteem, helping you concentrate as well as sleep, look and feel better. Regular exercise has been linked to less tension, stress and mental fatigue, improved sleep, better social life, more fun, healthy appetite, focus in life and motivation, and less anger or frustration.

Improved Sleep Quality

People who exercised at a moderate or vigorous level for at least 150 minutes a week (that’s just over 20 minutes a day) reported 65 percent better sleep quality than their more sedentary peers, according to a study published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity.

Stronger Immunity

Sedentary people are likely to catch two to three upper respiratory tract infections each year. Meanwhile, moderately active individuals can expect to reduce that rate by almost a third, according to Mike Gleeson, a professor of exercise biochemistry at Loughborough University in Leicestershire, U.K.

Changes in Gene Expression

Studies have been studying for decades how certain environmental factors like diet, stress and toxin can alter gene expression. To protect your body, particularly your genes from these things, start making exercise a habit. Two recent studies have illustrated just how regular physical activity can affect gene expression.

Eye Health

Surprised? A study reported in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, regular exercise may be linked to a lowered risk of developing glaucoma. Researchers found that people who engaged in moderate physical exercise 15 years prior had a 25 percent reduced risk of low ocular perfusion pressure, a risk factor for the said eye disease.

More Youthful Skin

Thousands of cells in our skin die each day. And to maintain its health and youthful glow, we need healthy foods, regular exercise and plenty of oxygen. What’s more, sweating, which is a natural detoxification process, cleanses your major organs including the kidneys, liver and spleen, which translate into a healthy looking glow.

Better Sex

Regular physical activity enhances blood flow, which boosts sexual pleasure. In one study, researchers from Emory University identified a link between physical activity and erectile function among men between the ages of 18 and 40.

Longer Life

The best benefit of exercising? You will have more birthdays. Research published in the journal Lancet found even just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can extend life expectancy by three years. It is not surprising, because exercise benefits your body in many significant ways.

So whenever you don’t feel like going to the gym or working out, go through these benefits once more. Knowing the unbelievable benefits of exercising is a great way to stay motivated to keep moving this 2015.