Even if the underlying rationale seems a bit shallow or questionable, at least in the eyes of some, there is no bad reason to exercise, because in this context, motivation is always a good thing.
Actually, the reasons that people make healthy lifestyle choices every day are as diverse as the individuals that make those decisions.
These choices have benefits today and tomorrow, and it really is incredible how just a few simple changes can have such a tremendous impact.
The right support will make this journey easier, and that includes the right equipment.
So, as we look at some of the reasons that people exercise, we’ll also look at some of the physical items that help fuel this change.
Longevity
For thousands of years, people have searched for, and dreamed about, the mythical Fountain of Youth. Today, at least to some extent, the searching and dreaming is over.
A 2012 study concluded that just 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise extends the average life expectancy by up to 3.4 years.
Researchers emphasized that even obese people or those with serious chronic health conditions, like cancer, could reap these benefits.
Moreover, the exercise does not have to be particularly intense, as even brisk walking or other moderate activity fits the bill.
Some people may scoff at this reason, mostly by pointing out defects in the research.
This study may be a case in point, because the data was largely self-reported.
Stuart Olshansky, an epidemiology professor who wasn’t involved in the work, said although the study had some limitations, “the authors have provided us with a very convincing argument that exercise is about the only equivalent of a fountain of youth that exists today.”
A healthy lifestyle also extends quality of life, which means that most exercisers will not spend all of their extra years in rest homes.
To obtain the full benefits of this added longevity, regular exercise is key, and that often means some aches and pains.
To deal with this discomfort, and to avoid complications, basic stretching after exercise is always a good idea.
Moreover, make a modest investment in an IT band strap placement.
This ergonomic strap provides compression therapy for the iliotibial band, which stabilizes your knee during physical activity, thus helping to end knee pain before it starts.
Appearance
Obese exercisers may not necessarily experience significant or noticeable weight loss, but that is normally the case.
In fact, many people exercise because they like the way that the look in the mirror.
In many situations, vanity is not a very good reason to pursue a certain activity, but exercise is clearly an exception.
Physical activity shrinks many fatty deposits, increases muscle tone, relieves stress, improves circulation, and does some other things that make most people look and feel better.
Once again, a wide variety of equipment and apparel is available from many online retailers, including both department and specialty stores.
Once they have a little less visible fat and a little more muscle tone, many people turn to compression shorts or shirts, because these garments help keep muscles warm while improving appearance.
Energy and Mood
Laughter and exercise are the two best ways to trigger endorphin production.
In sufficient quantities, these hormones produce a feeling of euphoria that mimics the one brought about by certain opioid medications.
Similarly, endorphins increase pain tolerance.
Given these known benefits, it’s easy to see why a healthy lifestyle improves mood and boosts energy levels.
Exercise also helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, so many people have more energy during the day and sleep better at night.
Many people like to advertise the fact that exercise is behind their better energy level and improved mood, to serve as an example to others.
If that’s the case, a Fitbit or other wearable tech item might be in order.
Moreover, a better outlook is one of those items that permeates everything about you, so in effect, people will notice the difference no matter what you do.
A Sharper Mind
Exercise increases blood flow, especially to the hippocampus (where the brain’s memory center is located) and the prefontal cortex (region of the brain that controls reasoning and planning).
Even less-intense exercise, such as walking, has these benefits.
Over the long term, the higher mental activity level can ward off dementia.
To show off the new smarter you, take a class or two at the local college or invest in a pair of nerd eyeglasses.
Or, for those who are looking for something a bit more edifying, try teaching one of those classes or invest some time in a youth mentoring program.
It Really Is Fun
Exercise classes provide social interaction with like-minded individuals, and for many people, this dynamic truly enhances the experience.
Other people enjoy the solitude that exercise provides, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.
Spirituality
A common tenet of many faiths and religions, including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, is that the human body is a gift from above that should be handled with care.
Many people who consider themselves nonreligious share similar beliefs.
Sometimes, these people express their beliefs in a “thou shalt not” way, by avoiding certain foods (like red meat or gluten), certain drugs (like alcohol or caffeine), and/or certain behaviors (such as skydiving or riding a motorcycle without a helmet).
Today, more and more people quite literally take the extra step by incorporating a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise, into their daily routines.
Religious tokens and totems are integral in this process for many folks.
Like some of the other motivations mentioned above, many people disregard spirituality as a lifestyle choice.
But if faith motivates you to get off the couch, then it can’t possibly be entirely bad.
Besides, if faith matters to you, negative feedback from others often means very little.
When the alarm clock rings in the morning to tell you to get up and exercise, what prevents you from hitting the snooze bar and going back to sleep?
