Gym goers will tell you that the best part of going to the gym, besides the endorphin rush, is being around other fit people who are encouraging and motivating each other to do their best. But you don’t have to belong to a pricey health club to enjoy these benefits — in fact, i think it’s best to exercise outdoors whenever possible. The following reasons will give you plenty of reasons why you must go to the gym if you want to get healthier and fitter.
1) It feels good
Studies show people who work out regularly have greater self-esteem and feel more energetic and confident than those who don’t. That’s because a workout can make you feel good both physically and mentally. One recent study also found that exercise can enhance thinking skills by improving working memory, cognitive control, efficiency of information processing, as well as increasing brain volume in regions linked to memory and learning. Exercise can even reduce symptoms of depression! It’s not just your body that feels better after a workout; it’s your mind too.
2) Reaching your goals boosts happiness
People who achieve their goals are generally happier than those who don’t, according to new research published in Psychological Science. Achieving long-term goals — like losing 20 pounds or hitting a personal best in a half marathon — boosts happiness more than achieving a short-term goal, like taking your dog for a walk. It’s probably because people tend to set bigger goals for themselves as they become happier. The researchers also found that participants were happiest when they had achieved both long- and short-term goals in recent weeks.
3) Your energy levels are higher
When you work out, your body uses calories and sugar. Working out also gives you more energy than if you sat on your couch all day. So, it’s easier for you to get out of bed in the morning when your body is used to being active all day. Plus, a 2009 study found that those who exercised at least 150 minutes per week felt less fatigue than those who exercise fewer than 30 minutes per week. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults aged 18-60 should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Exercising can help ensure that you are getting enough sleep every night.
4) You develop a healthier body image
Going to a gym can help you feel great about your body. It takes a lot of hard work to get in shape, but once you achieve it, it’s something that will last forever. Just look at professional athletes who have been working out their whole lives. Now they’re in their thirties and forties but they still look great because they go to the gym and eat right. Getting fit doesn’t have an expiration date!
5) New friends, new experiences
It’s easier to make friends at a gym than it is in any other situation, and you never know who you might meet while working out. It’s also just fun to try new exercises and find what works for you; personal training sessions can really help in that area. Plus, being around people who are focused on their health makes you more likely to stay motivated as well.
6) Gain confidence (yes you can!)
The health benefits of working out are great and all, but sometimes you just have a hard time getting motivated enough to go through with it. The endorphins that come from a work-out not only make you look better, but they can also make you feel more confident in yourself. While it’s natural for you to want to hide under your covers when you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s important that if you want a healthier lifestyle, then pushing through is an absolute must.
7) New goals (no stopping now!)
In addition to your weight loss, think about other reasons you’re going to start going. Maybe you want a lower cholesterol level or more energy or maybe you want to feel better about yourself—whichever reason it is, make sure that you write it down and post it somewhere visible where you can see it every day (right next to your scale). Seeing how far you’ve come with your health goals will help keep you motivated!
8) Great for dating/relationships
There are many things that can keep you in a relationship. If you have been dating your partner for quite some time and have yet to make any decisions regarding marriage, it is probably time that you seriously think about whether marriage would be an option for you. This is especially true if your partner has expressed their desire to get married and settle down, but without putting much thought into it on your end. So, why is it important that you decide what your intentions are?
9) Being able to say I did it! gives you an incredible sense of achievement and pride.
Whether it’s running a marathon, bench-pressing your own body weight, or simply finishing that 5k fun run. It’s an achievement that only you can claim and will make all those hard hours of training worthwhile. Not only does exercise give you a sense of pride but it also releases endorphins into your system which in turn makes you feel happier about yourself. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your self-esteem and confidence levels. Knowing that you have achieved something out of nothing really helps boost your self-esteem and confidence levels as well as improving mental health too!
10) It will make you feel better about yourself as a person
When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, your energy levels increase, and your overall mood is better. Exercising can also relieve stress and tension in a way that not many other activities can, making it easier for you to breathe and helping you stay relaxed throughout your day. In addition, exercising can boost your self-confidence by helping you lose weight or gain muscle tone if needed. This will make you more attractive to others around you and give you more confidence when dealing with stressful situations.
