Why do you exercise?

 

I’ve been working closely with coach Ethan from King Health and Fitness recently and we have been talking about the importance of exercise and the effect this has on the body.

We’re always told that “cardio is the only way to lose weight” or “crunches give you abs” but that’s just not true.
The most significant impact exercise has on our body is the effect it has on our brain.

75% of change in the body (weight loss, weight gain, etc) is affected by our diet. Exercising can only compliment this.

When we exercise, we release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that relieve stress and pain. This chemical has a similar effect on the body to the opiate drugs that we are given after surgery.
Endorphins build up over time in our pituitary glands, brain and central nervous system (CNS) and if these endorphins are not regularly released they can significantly contribute to feelings of stress, restlessness, anxiety, anger, irritability and depression.
We release endorphins in different ways: eating, laughing, drinking wine, to name a few but exercise is arguably the best way to release these chemicals (keyword: arguably - I think wine does a pretty fine job too).
Exercising will also help to improve your mental resistance by setting and beating goals, improve your physical health (heart health, bone density, muscle strength, etc), give you something enjoyable to do, and will help you become more in tune with your body.

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself out on a marathon, or doing an hour long HIIT session. Exercise can include taking a slow stroll around the park, dancing in the kitchen or doing yoga. Find what makes you happy. I think I fancy some wine and a dance around the kitchen, maybe even a dance on the kitchen table - double endorphin release #winning. 

 
Take some time this week to honour your body, move in ways that make you happy and release those endorphins!

 Kate xx

 

I'd be grateful if you shared this post so others can enjoy it too. It's simple, just click the 'share' button below. 

Be sure to subscribe using the 'subscribe' button at the top of the page, so you're the first to know when I post next.

 

 I post regularly on here, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest with self-love, body positivity and recipe ideas so that you can bloom into your best self, with me.