10 Hidden Exercise Gems- When You Get More Than You Expect

Everyone can name some benefits of exercise. Even kids can tell you that exercise will make you lose weight. Most adults will tell you that one major benefit of exercise is lower blood pressure and reduced cholesterol. Many people just associate fitness with looking better and being able to wear a bikini.

Well, I am here to tell you that fitness means all of those things and so much more. When you go to the gym to workout or when you sign up for the next pilates class, I hope you will be encouraged by the information I am about to share with you. Here are 10 more wonderful things that exercise is doing for you.

Lifting weight will decrease your risk of developing osteoporosis. It will also improve your core strength and balance, which means less likelihood of falling. Research has found that weight training may increase bone mineral density by 13% in 6 months.

Exercise will help to eliminate depression. There are a few reasons that this happens. When you exercise, your body releases feel good hormones called Endorphins. These hormones help you to overcome feelings of dread and worry. Also, when you complete a workout routine you are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and this has been shown to help combat depression. And last, exercise will give you more endurance to tackle the actual problems you face in your life. You will have more energy to deal with the big things.

Exercise increases testosterone levels naturally. No pills needed! Regular training of 45-60 minutes per session with multi-joint movements can cause an increase of testosterone by as much as 40%.

It helps headaches! So many people who suffer with migraines report a drop in the intensity and frequency of their headaches. Exercise reduces muscle tension and anxiety but increases blood and lymph circulation. All of these factors contribute to fewer headaches!

It gives you energy. There are thousands of studies on this subject and they all show the same thing - activity reduces fatigue. When people get up and move, they feel less tired. This is even true in circumstances of illness, such as cancer.

Building muscle will speed up your metabolism. This means you will burn more fat, even while doing nothing! Gaining 10 pounds of muscle means you will kill an extra 500 calories a day. Muscle burns at least 90% more calories than fat does.

Exercise can improve brain function. Gone is the image of the brain dead jock! Science has proven that this is a myth. First of all, exercise causes the brain to release a nourishing protein called neurotrophic factor. Also, exercise seems to build better connections between brain cells. And finally, scientist now think that regular exercise increases the production of cells in the hippocampus. This region of the brain is responsible for learning and memory. Wow!

Exercise helps control diabetes and may even eliminate the need for medication. Muscle cells during exercise use more oxygen and sugar than those at rest. This helps control blood glucose levels. Insulin is also able to work better.

Exercise helps to prevent arthritis and joint injuries. This is pretty simple. When people weigh less, they put less stress on their joints. So their risk for injury is not as great as a person who is overweight.

Number 10 is a big one for me. Exercise and fitness will help your body to heal more quickly from disease or surgery. I know this to be true because at the age of 30 I had to undergo surgical fusion of my L5-S1 lumbar disk. This was to correct a herniation that occurred as a result of an accident. I had my surgery on a Friday at 11:00 a.m. I left the hospital the next day at 10:30 a.m. I was not wearing a brace and I was walking. I was even wearing my makeup. After one week I was going one and a half miles on my elliptical machine. My doctor was astounded. He refused to take credit for my quick recovery and instead said that it was due to my state of physical fitness. He told me that he had rarely seen anyone recover as quickly from this type of surgery as I did. That was four years ago and one pregnancy later. I still feel great!

So I think my point has been made. Yes you already knew that exercise was great. Everyone knows that you should do it. However, I think that it is so amazing that science continues to find more and more benefits to a healthy, fit life.

If you have enjoyed these 10 little gems, then be sure to check out my website [http://www.livingfit4life.net]. I am certain that you will find the information there just as interesting.