Do you like instant gratification? Exercise now

On Fitness

Humans, by nature, seek instant gratification. Giving into the “now” is what causes many to gain weight in the first place. (Example: I know this candy bar will hurt my weight-loss efforts in the long run, but I want it now.) It’s also what causes many to quit an exercise program.

Seeing physical results takes some time, right? While that’s true for outward, aesthetic changes, each workout also has immediate benefits, some within minutes of your workout. And if you focus on those immediate benefits, it makes starting each workout, and sticking to it, that much easier.

Increased metabolism

Exercise boosts metabolism almost instantaneously. When you raise your heart rate you tell your brain that you’re working, so it starts producing neurochemicals. These neurochemicals boost your mood (more on that later) and they also improve your metabolism, meaning you burn calories even after your workout is over. The effects can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, but it does wear off, so you need to keep exercising for that metabolism spike to stick (although the more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism is around the clock — so strength train!).

Improved mood

Those same neurochemicals that increase your metabolism also improve mood. Exercise floods your body with feel-good endorphins, and the harder you work the more you get, which is often referred to as a runner’s high, making exercise a great way to battle depression, fatigue, insomnia or a regular case of the “blahs.” Studies have also shown people feel more energetic and have lower stress levels after even one workout.

Lower blood pressure

Moderate cardiovascular training can lower blood pressure for 24-48 hours after each workout. With age (as well as poor diet, smoking or hereditary reasons), the blood vessels harden, which raises blood pressure. The hormones that are released during exercise make blood vessels more flexible, lessening the pressure, similar to the effects of blood-pressure prescriptions. By no means should you exercise instead of taking your prescriptions, but if you do take medication to lower your blood pressure, talk with your doctor about using cardio exercise to supplement or lower your dosage.

Regulate blood sugar

When we exercise, our body first uses our blood sugar, or glucose, for fuel. Insulin is the hormone we produce that regulates the amount of glucose that is in our bloodstream. Diabetics have trouble regulating their own insulin, so regular exercise can be helpful and can even lower the amount of medications some diabetics need to take (again, only in consultation with a physician). That’s great if you’re a diabetic — or if you’re not, your blood sugar also regulates your appetite, which means it is suppressed for a significant amount of time after exercise.

source

TOPFIT Daily Activities --- Lower Table Rock Run
This afternoon I headed out into the windy weather for a fun run on Lower Table Rock.
Later I spent a few hours on long neglected chores around the house......not the most fun thing to do, but it was a bit of a workout.

www.topfitonline.com

~Feelin' Alive!~