You all know how much I loooove exercise, but did you know that before I had the boys I had never set foot in a gym before? I had minimal interest in fitness and had no idea how much it would change my life for the better. It was only after realising how unhealthy I was that I began to start working out daily and, gradually, got to where I am now. 

Not only did fitness change my body, but it shifted my mindset. And that’s the great thing about it, there are SO many benefits of working out. Just take a look at some of them below…

Improve your mental health

If I’m having a bad day, or can’t get something off my mind, you know what I do? Sweat it out. Fitness and endorphins work wonders for your mindset. It can help with everything from relieving stress to boosting mental clarity. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good endorphins, allowing your body to relieve tension, relax muscles, and boost your mood. 

Sleep better

Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking or running, can help improve the quality of your sleep. As well as tiring your body out so it craves a restful night of sleep to replenish and restore, exercise can help to relieve your body of any stress that may be keeping you awake at night. 

Get glowing skin

Who needs highlighter when you can get that good post-workout glow? Exercise works wonders for the skin - when you get your heart pumping and an increase in circulation, your skin gets a good dose of oxygenated blood, giving you that natural flush of radiance. 

And you’d think with all that sweat dripping over your face that it would be doing more harm than good, right? But actually, sweating can help your pores release any oil, dirt or grime stuck in there. Just make sure you give your face a good cleanse after a workout! 

Body positivity 

Whether you want to lose weight, tone up, or build muscle and strength, consistent exercise is how you’re going to smash those goals. When you hit your target weight, or get those sculpted arms you’ve always wanted, that feeling of achievement makes all the hard work worthwhile. If you’re consistent with your training, you will get results. 

Promotes healthy living

Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health - lowering blood pressure, helping control body weight, improving cardiovascular health, increasing energy levels and some studies believe it can boost your immunity. 

Working out to look your best is great, but there are so many other ways that exercise can enhance your body and mind. I hope these benefits have given you a few more reasons to squeeze exercise into your day. 

If you’re just starting your fitness journey, or looking to mix things up, then I am here to help you - join us over at THE BOD and let’s start smashing your health and fitness goals. 

Sophie x