10 Reasons To Exercise That Have Nothing To Do With What Your Body Looks Like
Often in the New Year Resolution rush, new and returning gym goers alike proclaim that this is their year to lose ten pounds, develop a six-pack or build a bigger booty. And while aesthetic goals are great to have I often think our minds get warped by the supermarket check out magazine cover dribble that places weightloss and visual appearance at the top of the totem pole.
⠀⠀
Whether it’s because we want to resemble the model on the cover or achieve the physique goals they are promoting we get sucked into playing their game to achieve a better looking body. ⠀⠀
But what about a better working body?
⠀⠀
The simple fact is many of us will never look like the computer altered models on the cover of Men’s and Women’s Fitness. And this is ok. In this game of life it’s not about being the most ripped or having the biggest arms it’s just about staying in the game (not dying) as long as you can and doing so with the most functionality that you can.
⠀⠀
So I think that if we are speaking to the average gym goer who is pumped up full of New Year resolution fervor we should look to provide targets that provide real, tangible life changing outcomes and along the way you might still lose a few pounds and build a butt and arms you are proud of.
⠀⠀
1️⃣Reduction of All-Cause Mortality
⠀⠀
2️⃣ Reduction of Depression & Anxiety Symptoms
⠀⠀
3️⃣ Improvements In Activities of Daily Living & Reduction of Functional Limitations with Aging.
⠀⠀
4️⃣ Improved Insulin Sensitivity ⠀⠀
5️⃣Reduction of Heart Disease & CVD related Death
⠀⠀
6️⃣ Reduced Risk of Sports Related Injury
⠀⠀
7️⃣ Reduction in Blood Pressure
⠀⠀
8️⃣ Improved Immune System Function
⠀⠀
9️⃣ Improvement in Neuroplasticity & Release of Brain Derived Neurotophic Growth Factor
⠀⠀
🔟 Reduction in Systemic Inflammatory Markers
⠀⠀
And that’s just 10 because I’m hitting my character limit on IG. Again, training to get jacked is cool and sex sells but if thats all use to motivate yourself you may be missing the big picture when it comes to exercise & health. Swipe left & I’ll include as many screenshots of the references as I can for you to nerd out on.