If the messages you get from the media are any indication, everyone is obsessed with weight loss. The entire fitness industry seems to use the number on the scale as a way to shame people into working out. At Fit in New England, we appreciate that weight loss may be one of your fitness goals, and are happy to help you achieve it. However, weight loss alone is more often than not insufficient for motivating people to exercise over the long-term, and in reality, it is only one of many reasons why it is worth it. Not only that, weight loss is something that takes patience and consistency, so many people don’t stick to a workout routine because they aren’t immediately seeing the results they seek. Fortunately, there are reasons to work out that do provide instantaneous benefits, so you can motivate yourself to hit the gym even if you aren’t thrilled with your current pants size.

Stress Relief

Exercise is the best stress reliever in your toolbox. If you have never worked out to address stress and tension in your life, it’s worth it to give it a shot. While you can’t outright avoid stress in your life, you can manage it, and exercise is more likely to be fulfilling and effective than bingeing on potato chips or hitting happy hour every night. If you, like most people, experience stress, managing it is a great motivator for hitting the gym.

Better Sleep

Do you toss and turn at night? Struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep? You are not alone. Poor sleep is something that many people experience but not enough do something about. There is a simple solution: a regular exercise routine. According to the National Sleep Foundation, people who get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week have significantly better sleep quality — 65 percent better, to be exact. If you struggle to get sufficient sleep, adopting a regular fitness schedule may be precisely what you need.

More Energy

If you’re already tired, heading to the gym might be the last thing you want to do, but it’s worth it to push through that instinct. Exercise actually provides just the energy boost you need in these moments. A blast of endorphins may be the ticket to elevate your energy levels.

Improved Cognitive Function

Exercise has been shown to improve both short- and long-term cognition. One 2012 study found that students performed better on tests when they perform as little as 20 minutes of exercise beforehand. In addition, higher fitness levels have been correlated with a variety of cognitive markers, including verbal memory, critical thinking skills, and psychomotor speed. Exercise is also associated with better memory; recent research indicates that a regular exercise routine may prevent against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

In our next blog, we will continue to go over the reasons why you should work out that have nothing to do with weight loss. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a personal trainer in Medford, we would love to help out. Contact Fit in New England to start working towards your fitness goal today!