6 Reasons to Get Back In The Gym That Don’t Have to Do with Your Weight
The time has come to get back in the gym! We all know that maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine is the best recipe for losing weight. But, the benefits of physical fitness go far beyond just weight management & looking good. Developing a regular exercise routine can help boost your immune function, reduce the risk of developing diseases, treat & prevent mental health issues, improve memory function, and increase bone & muscle density. So, step off the scale & step into the gym!
1. Boosts Immune Function
Physical exercise is a natural way to boost your immune system, which can prevent you from getting sick and can lessen your symptoms if you do end up falling ill! A study with 1,000 participants found that those who exercise for 20 minutes or longer on a regular basis were 43% less likely to take sick days than those who did not. AND, those who did end up getting sick reported less severe symptoms. With the threat of Covid-19, cold & flu viruses, and seasonal allergies, taking proactive measures to prevent illness is an essential step in re-entering society.
2. Prevents Diseases
In addition to boosting your immune function, a consistent exercise routine has been shown to reduce the risk of developing many serious long term illnesses such as breast cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone imbalances, and even Alzheimer’s (just to name a few). Even adding just 45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to your routine 3-4 times a week will have immense long term health benefits.
3. Improves Mental Health
When we think of fitness, we often think about 6-pack abs, strong biceps, and perky booties. In addition to all of those welcomed benefits, getting your body in physical shape helps boost your mental fitness. In fact, studies have shown that a consistent routine of moderate to intense exercise is an effective way to treat and prevent anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety knows that when you’re in a bad mental state, getting yourself to the gym sounds as appealing as stubbing your toe! If you’re having a hard time finding motivation to get to the gym, try to start small. Habits create consistency, and consistency creates habits. Once you get in the routine of going to the gym, it makes future visits that much easier. Remember to be kind to yourself because negative self-talk is only going to kill your motivation in days to come.
4. Promotes LongTerm Psychological Health
Hitting the gym on a regular basis does not only help treating and preventing mental illnesses, but it also has some major long term psychological benefits! Fitness has been linked to a decreased risk for dementia, improved memory function, and even generates the growth of new brain cells. While you’re lifting weights, running, practicing yoga, or whatever you do to break a sweat, you are strengthening your mind body connection. This psychological benefit can lead to a longer, healthier, higher quality of life down the road.
5 . Increases Bone & Muscle Density
Working out also increases bone and muscle density, which keeps your body healthy and active as you age. A study observing women with osteoporosis found that daily exercise can actually stop the loss of bone mass! When you exercise, you are breaking down muscle and bone fibers, to the point that your body has to rebuild them. These new fibers grow back stronger than before! So, when you are feeling sore after a killer workout, remember that your body is hard at work repairing and improving itself so you can continue to live an active lifestyle as you age.
6. Community Is Key
We know that getting into a fitness routine after a long break can be extremely challenging, especially when you feel like you are doing it all on your own. But, don’t worry, the Fit Fam has got your back!
All five of our San Diego locations are open, and we are here to support you. We are offering a free in-body scan for all members. This assessment is a great way to re-evaluate your current fitness status and curate healthy, attainable goals. Our highly skilled personal trainers are available to work with you on a personalized fitness plan if you are looking for one on one attention and support.
And, we know you have been eagerly waiting for its return… GroupX is back in action!! GroupX is where fitness & community meet. Break a sweat and make some friends while doing so.
We have plenty of indoor and outdoor training areas available to accommodate everyone’s comfort level or exercising in a shared space. Still not quite ready to step foot in the gym? No worries! Virtual training is available for those who want to have a
