There are still many benefits to engaging in regular movement and exercise for your health and wellness, even if you’re eating a healthy diet.
“You can’t out-train a bad diet.” Phrases like this pop up a lot these days — especially now that popular media and research articles are quick to say when it comes to weight loss, what and how you EAT matters more than exercise.
Here’s what I have to say: while this is true, don’t let it be an excuse to not be active. This isn’t a “get out of the gym free pass.”
In fact, here are the main reasons why you’ll want to stay active:
#1 Increased Metabolism
Metabolism includes everything our bodies do to function, including burn calories. Those with a naturally higher metabolism are often envied, but the good news is exercise can help everyone can ramp up their metabolism.
With regular workouts, especially strength training, you’ll build more muscle — and muscle needs a lot of energy to maintain. More than fat cells. This is awesome because it means you’ll continue burning more calories even after your workout is finished!
So even if you keep eating the exact same thing, your body will respond to it and metabolize it better if you’re staying active. For best results, incorporate two types of exercise:
- Aerobic exercise (cardio), especially intervals that switch between high and low intensity — great for the super busy woman.
- Strength training with weights or body weight.
Plus, besides benefiting your metabolism and muscles, exercise is also good for you bones and heart!
#2 Improved Mood
There’s a reason we feel better after a good workout: physical activity can stimulate chemicals in your brain that help you feel happier and more relaxed.
And, getting more fit and toned can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem, which is of course a great mood booster.
#3 More Energy
By sending more nutrients and oxygen to your body’s tissues, exercise can help improve your heart and lung health — making it easier to power through daily work and chores.
This increase in energy can extend into so many areas of your life, including physical intimacy.
#4 Better, Deeper Sleep
All the above points will help with eating adherence, but this one especially. Issues like sugar cravings and mindless snacking are more likely to take place when you’re tired. You’re busy and your day is packed, so you need your rest when finally powering down for the night.
Just imagine how great it will feel when you’ve given your heart and muscles some love through exercise. Everything will be even more ready to drift into a more restful sleep.
#5 Exercise Helps Prevent Disease
If the above reasons haven’t convinced you to say “yes” to exercise, here are some ways it can improve your health in the same way as diet:
- Boosts HDL “good” cholesterol and decreases bad triglycerides, lowering your risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Can help manage conditions like metabolic syndrome, stroke, depression, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and even some cancers
So to sum up, simply changing how you eat is not enough for the results you want. Exercise has a legitimate place in your health and weight loss plan, and you won’t regret making it a regular part of your routine — along with your healthy diet!
Quite simply, everything will just start to feel better when you regularly exercise.
Find out more about how I help driven professional women make exercise a priority and get their health back here.
