This is a guest post.
In today’s world our lifestyles are becoming more and more sedentary. With people not having the time to exercise or simply being too lazy, many individuals are forgetting the range of benefits that being active can bring. It’s not just about staying slim and looking good, it’s about your health and general well being of your family too.
More Bonding Time
Getting your kids involved with exercise not only means more time spent with you, but getting them active at a young age means that they will carry an active mentality with them for the rest of their lives which should lead to them being fit, healthy adults and living longer. There are many activities you can do with your child. You could play a simple game of tag or just kick a ball around the yard. You could also be active by doing fun activities such as hiking, swimming or bike riding. Biking is a great form of exercise for all the family. Don’t have a bike? Luckily, there is a great range of bike accessories for kids on the market today.
Fat Loss
Obviously, fat loss is a major benefit of living an active lifestyle. Along with fat loss, muscle mass can also be gained. Having more muscle boosts your metabolism and causes you to burn significantly more calories throughout the day, as muscle needs more energy to function. It is important to have a body mass index that is appropriate for your gender and height. There are many tools available to help you work this out or discuss with your doctor if you are unsure. Carrying around too much fat can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and type two diabetes among other serious medical complications. Being active will help to alleviate and even cure these issues.
Depression
In many studies, being active has proven to be extremely beneficial in combating depression. The endorphins that are released when exercising have an extremely beneficial effect on a person’s well being, both mentally and physically. There is no exact scientific reason as to why people find being active helps with depression, but there are both physical and psychological benefits that have been observed. Being active can also give your brain a chance to take a break from the stresses in your life. For example, exercises like Yoga and Pilates can be extremely calming and good for the mind as well as the body.
Energy Levels
Another benefit of being active is the energy boost you receive. Exercise helps to get the blood flowing throughout your body, causing more oxygen to be transported to your brain. This will cause you to feel more aware and alert. Those who tend to be more active during the day also tend to sleep longer and deeper at night, which can make you to feel more awake the following day.
Self Esteem
Being active is a great way to boost your self-esteem. When you begin to meet the goals that you set for yourself and you begin to notice that you have lost weight or that your clothes fit in a more attractive fashion, this can be a positive mental boost. Being able to keep up with your children or peers, as well as receiving the occasional compliment, can also be incredibly rewarding.
Overall, being active has a whole host of benefits both mental and physical. Anyone can experience the above benefits by getting active so what are you waiting for. Go get those trainers!
Getting outside and being active together really is a great bonding experience!
I notice a HUGE boost in my energy levels when I am active. There are so many positives when it comes to exercise.
I focus more on the kids when we are having an outdoor activity. It gets them curious about the outdoors, on our hikes they are always asking questions about nature.
This is why I need to get back to the gym. The feel better!
I always feel better when I work out especially when I do it outside in the sunshine.
I always feel better when exercising..I sleep better and I look better. It’s so important to take care of our bodies.
I know I feel better when I’m active.
I always feel better when I work out!
I know I always feel better about myself when I am active. Even if I don’t work out, just getting up and moving around makes me feel good.
I always feel better when I exercise. It is getting started that is the hardest part.
Exercising does wonders for my state of mind, even if my body does hurt afterwards, lol.
I totally agree!! exercising always lifts me up!!
I need to get my buns in motion, I totally feel lethargic the less active I am.
I know that all of these are true, my problem is just getting motivated and finding the time. It needs to happen though!
Love spending quality time with the family by going on walks around the neighborhood, a bit of fresh air can do a whole lot of good.
Great tips. I like to take a walk when I start feeling down. It really helps me.
My daughter & I were just bouncing on the trampoline earlier… it feels good 🙂
Setting a good example for the kids is important, I like to be active together as a family
These are great side effects and I really need to try more I have been feeling a little down lately.
I seriously need to find the time to be more active. I know I should but I don’t make time for it.
Love this post! After I had my daughter I had to get out and exercise and do something besides sit around. It definitely helped beat the bulge and I feel so much better!
It’s always been strange to me how being active and using energy can give you more energy. But it is true!