Two Day Magazine

We all know that exercise is good for us.

Since it is the first week of the New Year, many people are making the resolution to get in shape. However, it can be difficult to make lasting life changes, even if they are positive ones. Once in a while, you may need a motivating reminder as to why exercise is so vital to a healthy life. It isn’t just weight loss that results from exercising regularly. Exercise has many benefits, including cutting one’s cancer and stroke risk, as well as encourage better digestion.

In case you need new motivation to break a sweat, here are some other healthy advantages to regular exercise.

Exercise Promotes Glowing Skin

Exercise isn’t just good for our insides, exercise is good for our skin, as well. When there is an increase of blood flow brought on by exercising, fresh oxygen and nutrients are carried throughout the body, while waste is removed. Think of it as an exfoliation from the inside of the skin. Exercise also reduces stress, which can curb breakouts, as well.

Exercise Makes You a Smarty-Pants

Research has found that as we age, exercising can help to keep our brains sharp and healthy. It is important to exercise because it increases the blood flow to the brain, and promotes higher levels brain-derived nerve growth factors, which are healthy chemicals found in the brain.

Exercise Boosts Your Sex Life

Exercising regularly can enhance your sex life by lifting your mood, bossing your self-esteem, and increasing blood flow to the genitals, heightening one’s sexual arousal.  In other words, the couple that exercises together, gets frisky together! (And what could be more fun than that?)

Exercise Creates Stronger Bones

Thinning of the bones, also known as osteoporosis, can cause fractures of the spine, hips and wrists. Exercise can help to prevent this issue from occurring and create healthier, stronger bones. Certain exercises can be more beneficial than others, like Bikram yoga. Exercises that increase balance, strength-building, and aerobic work-outs will help build up your bones, keeping you safer from fractures down the road.

Exercise Reduces Cancer Risk

Regular exercise has become linked to a decreased risk of developing cancer, dying from cancer, or having a reoccurrence of some cancers. Researchers believe this to be true because exercise benefits the immune system, which seeks out and destroys cancer cells. It improves the balancing of hormone levels, thus reducing a risk for cancer, as well as keeping one at a healthy weight.

So what are you waiting for? Enjoy a nice walk, try yoga, explore your neighborhood gym, or join a local pool for the summer. Whatever your favorite physical activity is, enjoy it regularly.

Here’s to your health!

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twodaymag wants to know: What is your favorite exercise? How do you stay motivated? Facebook us your thoughts!

Tweet Natalie your fitness and health goals for the New Year @nataliestweets.