When the weather starts getting cold and forecasts of snow are on the horizon, I start feeling like it’s time to curl up on the couch with a good book, instead of hitting the gym. But as much as I’d like to give into temptation, I know that’s a dangerous path to follow.
One day off turns into two, and before I know it, the scale is no longer my friend. When I start feeling a rut coming on, I like to remind myself of all the reasons to exercise. And sometimes, like today for example, I even find new reasons. Just when I thought exercise couldn’t get any better for my health, science surprises me with a new study.
This one was published in October in the journal Neurology. Researchers looked at MRI scans of people’s brains and found that those who did regular physical exercise experienced less brain shrinkage than those who exercise mentally, but not physically.
So if curling up with a book instead of exercising may mean that my brain will shrink faster, I’ll be reaching for my workout gear.
Here are a few more reasons to dust off that exercise gear, even on cold days:
Exercise may help you live longer. According to a 1997 study in the Annals of Epidemiology, participants who exercised regularly were less likely to die prematurely.
Exercise can improve your quality of life. A 2005 study in the journal Current Opinion in Psychiatry review suggested that people who added physical activity to their daily routine experienced better quality of life, better mood, and functioned better in their daily life.
Exercise can help control your weight. You probably knew this one already, but it certainly warrants a mention. A healthy diet and regular exercise program are the first things I recommend to anyone trying to lose weight.
Today’s workout: Eight rounds of the following 20/10’s
- Sumo walk
- Right stationary squats with weights
- Left stationary squats with weights
- Skaters with weights
- Crab walk
- Reptile push ups
- Plank arm lifts
Plus 3 rounds of 50 bicycle crunches
