- Endorphin Rush- No stress+good feeling. After spending as little as 15 minutes physically exerting yourself in the gym, your body releases a tide of endorphins which will leave you beaming and relaxed for hours afterward.
- Relationships- You may be the straightest ruler in the drawer, but being physically fit can help build your relationships with both sexes. While finding a “bro” to spot you in the gym forms tighter connections on the male side, the body that’s going to result from the gym time will help you make “tighter connections” on the female side. In fact, a Harvard University study found that women view “fit” men as 54% more attractive than their overweight counterparts.
- Success- As shallow as it sounds; better-looking people get better opportunities. Studies have shown that people viewed as more attractive were more likely to land better jobs and score more dates.
- Sleep- Regular exercise can be one of the best sleep-promoting remedies. It’s been shown that a good morning workout can not only keep you buzzing throughout the day, but also provide more restful night’s sleep than a dose of sleeping pills.
- Self Confidence- Mirror, mirror on the wall, who are the most confident students this fall? I’m no talking piece of glass, but I think I can answer this one: the ones who are utilizing the gyms, clubs and intramural sports being offered to them for free. For every extra lb of body fat carried, self-confidence goes down three points (Alright, that’s not entirely true, I kind of just wanted to quote the little kid from Big Daddy when he’s denting the cans). However, body composition does have a lot to do with the way you carry yourself. Whether it’s how you feel once you slip on that slim-fit T before a date, or how you (and your date) feel when you take it off later, you shouldn’t have to worry about your body looking its best.
- Immunity- There’s a substantial increase in diseases related to inactivity in our country as of late. These diseases such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity can all lead to serious health problems and death. As Dr. Musto, the professor of my health and physical activity class put it, “What if we had one pill that could cure all these things, all at once?” One thing that many people fail to realize is that pill’s out there (and you don’t need an expensive prescription or doctor’s note for it). Heart, bones, brain, brawn… The list goes on and on. It’s been shown over and over that higher levels of fitness lead to healthier cardiovascular systems, stronger bones and can even cut your risk of dying of any cause (disease, plane crash, stab wound from a crazy girlfriend) by at least 16%. Not only will your body function better as a whole, it’ll keep you from catching the common cold (and help you recoup faster if you do).
- Put It In, Burn It Off- Since you’ve been following a healthier lifestyle, there’s a possibility that Whole Foods Market has become your new “go-to” for groceries. Take a stroll over to the bakery. You want that freshly baked, golden brown, mound of soft, chewy, oatmeal chocolate-chip cookie? No? How about the crumbly apple turnover that’s still steaming in the display case? The truth is, if you’re on a consistent clean eating and exercising program it’s more than okay to indulge every now and again. Go ahead and savor whatever it is that you’ve craving and don’t feel bad about it because you know that you’ll burn it (and more) off in the gym later.
So basically, exercising impacts every aspect of your life in a positive way. Why the hell not do it? No really, why not? If there’s any one out there that can counter any of these points please let me know, I haven’t had a good laugh in quite a while. For those of you non-comedians looking for all of the above, get out there and get moving. Join a gym, buy P90x, hire a personal trainer or simply jog around the block. Do something! If all of this (plus a little Eminem) aren’t enough motivation for you, find a way to get in touch with me and I’ll see if I can’t change your mind.
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