The Benefits of Regular Exercise and How to Get Started

WRITTEN BY: Jennifer Strout, Founder of MotivateU

Exercising is one of the most critical activities that we engage in to live a healthy life. Regular workouts not only help to maintain our physical health, but also have numerous mental health benefits. However, if you haven’t exercised in years, then the thought or idea of starting can be quite overwhelming. But, it's never too late to start.

Here are some compelling reasons to get started on your fitness journey:
1. Improved Health and Fitness
​Regular exercise is crucial to helping us maintain a healthy weight, strong bones, and muscles. Exercise also improves our cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and more.
2. Increased Energy and Endurance
Exercise can help increase your energy levels and reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue throughout the day. It can also help improve your endurance levels, allowing you to participate in activities that may have been difficult before.
3. Reduced Stress and Improved Mental Health
Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress, anxiety and prevent depression. It promotes the release of endorphins, and other chemicals in the brain, that leads to decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Improved Quality of Sleep
Good quality sleep is important for our overall health and well-being, and exercise can help improve your sleep quality. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have a better quality of sleep, and they feel more rested and refreshed.
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How to Start
It's understandable that the thought of how to start can be quite daunting. However, the key is to start slow, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout, as your body becomes adjusted to it. Here are some specific tips to get you started:
1. Set Achievable Goals
Start with small goals, such as 20 minutes of exercise, 2-3 times a week. As you become more comfortable and confident, gradually increase your goals.
2. Find an Exercise You Enjoy  
There are countless ways to exercise, so find what works for you and what you enjoy. You could try activities like yoga, cycling, boxing, dance classes, or more.
3. Get a Workout Buddy 
Having a workout buddy can be an excellent source of motivation and encouragement, and can make exercising more enjoyable as well as adding the aspect of accountability.
4. Consult with Your Doctor
If you haven't been active for a long time, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
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In conclusion, exercising regularly has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. Starting a workout routine can be intimidating, but it's never too late to start. By setting achievable goals, finding an exercise you enjoy, getting a workout buddy, and consulting with your doctor, you can take the first steps towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. If you’re looking for exercise routines to get you started, check out our realtime form tracking with continuous feedback- available on all live and on-demand classes.

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