I work out every day. EVERY SINGE DAY!  That may sound crazy but this has been a game changer for me.  Let me be clear, this does not mean that I am lifting heavy weights every day.  Quite the contrary…. most days I just do cardio.  But I truly believe exercising daily has helped me keep my sanity.  My fitness level is also really good for someone in their 40’s(humble brag)!

Most days I do 20-25 minutes of cardio on the StairMaster Stepmill at my local gym.  This workout really helps me get my heart rate up and workup a nice sweat.  I usually exercise on level 14 or 15 so it’s pretty intense.  I typically go right after work and I find that this helps me clear my mind and burn away some of the anxiety and stress from the day before I go home so I can be in a better frame of mind when I get home to my wife and kids. On weekends I will do a monster 40 minute stepmill workout and burn off about 800 calories.  This is super intense and I am exhausted and drenched in sweat when it is over!

I will hit the weights a couple days of week but mostly do weight training on the weekends.  There are so many benefits of exercising regularly.  I exercise every day also because this makes it so easy to track.  Did I makeup?  Check –  then I need to workout today.  It’s that simple ha ha!

Benefits of Exercise

It Will Make You Happy

Regular exercise has been proven to improve your overall mood and decrease anxiety, stress and depression.  I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to the gym stressed and super depressed and then after a good workout it seems like my concerns just melt away.  Exercise increases endorphins which help produce positive feelings.

Improved Quality of Sleep

Getting regular exercise can greatly improve the quality of your sleep.  One study found that 150 minutes of moderate activity each week can lead to a 65% improvement in quality of overall sleep.  Getting a good nights’ sleep will also help you feel more refreshed and energetic in the morning.

If you suffer from insomnia you should try working out instead of the sleep aids like melatonin.  Physical activity will help you sleep longer and deeper.  How great is that?

You Will Look Better

Who doesn’t want a good looking and fit body?  Want a tighter stomach, nice butt, toned arms?  Well the only way to get that body you always wanted is to workout!  You will be amazed with your transformation if you consistently exercise.

It will also help with your overall body image and confidence.

You Can Socialize

The gym is a great place to meet people.  If you go frequently you will meet some interesting people over time.  You may even find a workout partner that will help keep you accountable and going regularly.  If nothing else you can widen your circle of friends and acquantainces and meet new and interesting people.

Helps With Weight Loss

Frequent exercise can also help you ward off obesity and lose some of that extra weight you might be carrying around.  Exercise can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories. 

If you are not trying to drop some pounds staying active is a great way to maintain your current weight and gives you some wiggle room when you want to eat those cookies or have another slice of cake!

Improve Your Sex Life

Frequent exercising can boost your sex drive.  It also strengthens your cardio, blood circulation, and flexibility.  All of which can make you more effective in bed!  Women in their 40’s claimed that they had more orgasms after they started doing more vigorous workouts.

As an added bonus for men it can also decrease the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Improve Your Brain Health

Exercise improves blood flow to the brain which helps improve memory and mental function. Regular exercise has also been shown to minimize changes in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. 

Studies have also shown that exercising can stimulate brain cell growth.

Increase Your Energy Level

Exercise can significantly increase your energy.  A recent study found that after 6 weeks of consistent exercise 36 participants that had complained of being fatigued all the time had higher energy levels.

I’ve found that more energy equals less stress and anxiety!

So….What Are You Waiting For?

Get out there and get moving.  Start exercising every day and you will feel your stress and anxiety melt away!

There are so many benefits to exercising that there is no reason not to start today!