Getting Excited about Getting in Shape!

How do you feel after you’ve just completed a tough full body workout? Chances are, your senses are heightened, your mood is up, and your energy level is through the roof. You feel like you could conquer the world! That’s a feeling you should be looking forward to regularly, whether it’s three times a week at Curves ladies only gym or every other day walking in your neighbourhood. So, it’s time to get excited about your daily exercise – it’s good for you in so many ways!

Here are some of the many health benefits of exercise:

Exercise gives you a mental boost

Have you ever heard of a “runner’s high”?¹ There’s a lot of science behind what it is and exactly why it occurs, but the bottom line is, prolonged exercise can give you a feeling of euphoria. It’s one of the best forms of natural stress relief and mood enhancement, and it doesn’t require a prescription. Research shows², there are numerous mental health benefits of exercise, including reduced risk of anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem. You don’t have to run to get these benefits — try a Curves workout or cardio class to get the same feeling. Isn’t it great to know that you have the power to make yourself feel better, mentally and physically?

A gym workout gives you a burst of energy

Doctors say one of the most common complaints they hear from their patients is fatigue³. And guess what they often prescribe—an exercise routine! Contrary to what many people believe, moderate intensity exercise doesn’t make you tired. In fact, it does the opposite and provides energy. Researchers at the University of Georgia⁴ asked otherwise healthy sedentary adults to engage in 20 minutes of a low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise routine three days a week for six weeks. At the end of the study period, the participants had more energy and felt less fatigued.

So, if you’re having trouble keeping your eyes open at work, be sure to hit Curves for a full body workout on your way home to boost your energy for the remainder of the day. Or, consider doing your gym workout or other exercise routine in the morning. You’ll hit the ground running and set the stage for healthy living.

A full body workout can ease headache pain

When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which result in an analgesic – or pain relieving – effect. Plus, because exercise acts as natural stress relief, you’ll ease any tension that may be contributing to your headache pain. So, the next time a headache strikes, instead of reaching for the aspirin or ibuprofen, get yourself moving⁵. You may be surprised how quickly that headache fades away.

Can’t sleep?

Have you ever felt totally exhausted but still couldn’t get to sleep? That’s because there’s a difference between being mentally tired and physically tired. When we allow our brains to wear themselves out without giving our bodies equal workout time, the result can be insomnia. What’s the best cure? Why, an exercise routine, of course! Give your body the same stimulation that you give your brain, and you’ll most likely start enjoying better sleep.

With all these health benefits of exercise in mind, it’s time to stop dreading your daily workout plan and start looking forward to it. It can – and should – be one of the highlights of your day. With the full body workout, social support, and healthy meal plan advice you get at Curves ladies only gym, you’ll be checking off all the boxes when it comes to your mental and physical health. And what could be more exciting than that?

The Curves women’s gym workout is convenient, combining strength training and cardio plus stretching – all in just 30 minutes – to strengthen your whole body. For more information about Curves and the full body workouts the Curves Circuit provides, visit ‘Why Curves’.

Sources:

1. Runners World: How to Achieve a Runner’s High
2. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry: Exercise for Mental Health
3. Public Health Alert: Finally an Answer to the Most Common Complaint: Fatigue
4. ScienceDaily: Low-intensity Exercise Reduces Fatigue Symptoms By 65 Percent, Study Finds
5. American Migraine Foundation: Effects of Exercise on Headaches and Migraines