10 Nov 6 Reasons Why You Need to Get in Shape for Your Mind and Body
Here at VIBE, we could talk all day about the importance of getting in shape. Not only is regular exercise fantastic for your physical well-being, but it’s essential for your mental and emotional health, too! Whether you’re starting a new fitness journey or wanting to make the most of where you’re at, nothing is as good for your body and spirit as exercise.
Today we’re sharing 6 reasons why you need to get in shape. From your heart to your head, there are endless benefits to exercise, movement, and taking care of yourself.
1. Improve your Mood and Stress Levels
Whether your stress stems from work, finances, family, or a combination of those things, it’s part of life. Juggling stressors can feel overwhelming. For some of us, it leads to feeling down, overwhelmed, and even depressed. While some stress sources might be unavoidable, getting in shape helps your mind and body handle stress better.
Physical activity releases endorphins–ahh, we love endorphins–brain chemicals that minimize discomfort and create feelings of happiness. Research shows that low-intensity exercise like yoga even reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, exercise releases tension in your body and relaxes your muscles, so your mind isn’t combatting those feelings of physical stress, either.
2. Get in Shape for Weight Loss
Weight loss is a pretty common reason that people want to get in shape. But a healthy weight loss does a lot more for you than getting you into a favorite pair of jeans. Losing even 5% of your body weight puts many positive mental and physical changes into motion.
Losing weight boosts your self-esteem and builds that sense of self-confidence we all strive for. You’ll find yourself sleeping better, feeling better, and even enjoying a better sex life! And on top of the mental and emotional benefits of losing weight, your physical health will thank you. Healthy weight loss reduces pressure on your joints, improves your blood pressure and heart function, and decreases your risks of developing dangerous health conditions.
3. Increase Energy for Your Mind and Body
Day-to-day life can be pretty exhausting, can’t it? Taking a nap or chugging an energy drink might sound great when you’re feeling tired or fatigued. But exercising is a much better choice!
People who make physical exercise a priority feel more energized and motivated than people living sedentary lifestyles. When your energy levels are on point, you’ll feel mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to take on whatever challenges you might have on your plate!
Get in shape for your mind and body and feel the physical and emotional benefits of exercise.
4. Take Care of Your Muscles and Bones
Our bones and muscles work together to help us do the things we love to do. Dancing, walking, running, or stretching: you name it, we count on our bodies to support us in our movements. Muscles and bones are living tissues that respond to exercise by getting stronger. And if we want our bodies to keep doing the physical activities we depend on them for, we have to take care of our muscles and bones.
One of the most important reasons to get in shape is exercising builds and preserves your muscle and bone mass. Our VIBE community members enjoy low-resistance movement in our yoga classes, and faster-paced exercise in our VIBE fitness classes, all of which will strengthen your bones and muscles at any age.
5. Getting in Shape Helps You Sleep Better
We’ve all felt the difference between a good night’s sleep and one without good shuteye. Sleep helps us function our best, both mentally and physically. Getting in shape supports the quality of sleep that our bodies need to recharge.
Physical activity also alleviates stress, often a source of insomnia-related issues. Exercising during the day contributes to the deep night sleep that boosts our immune systems and cardiac function. It also encourages our bodies to get with the circadian rhythm (our internal day/night clocks) and follow a healthy sleep schedule.
6. Exercise for a Healthy Heart
You’ve probably heard how important cardio is for your heart health, but your heart and cardiovascular system benefit from more than just cardio! Exercise geared toward flexibility, strength, and balance (like yoga and barre) supports your musculoskeletal health, so you can do the aerobic exercise and strength training your heart needs to stay healthy!
Resistance training raises your good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the bad (LDL) cholesterol that builds up in your arteries. Adding resistance training into your exercise routine helps you reduce body fat, decreasing your risk of heart disease.
Getting in shape for your mind and body is vital for you to feel your best in every area of your life. Remember these reasons for getting in shape the next time you need the motivation to move your body!
Ready to get started on a new journey? Join us in our studio or virtually for one of our yoga or fitness classes. It doesn’t matter if you’re in shape or not! Try our 7-day free-trial, explore our community, and start feeling the mental and physical benefits of functional movement, health, and wellness.
