Lacking Motivation? Balancing Your Hormones Could Be the Answer. by: Steve Nunn, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Hormones and your motivation to exercise
Balancing your hormones creates a positive domino effect
If you’re dealing with constant fatigue, it’s hard to get motivated to workout. One of the many benefits of hormone optimization is better sleep. With better sleep, you’re less tired throughout the day and often have more energy to apply to all aspects of your life, including, exercising more regularly.
Why is Exercise So Important?
Exercise has many obvious benefits, but it also can help you feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life! The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore- and everyone can benefit from it, regardless of sex, age or physical ability.
Here are seven ways exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you:
1. Manage Your Weight
Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. How much activity is needed? ANY activity is better than none at all, and consistency is key. Make small changes and just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk the dog for 30 minutes instead of 15.
2. Help Combat Disease and other Health Conditions
No matter your current weight, being active actually increases your LDL (good) cholesteroland it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regularly exercise to help prevent or manage:
Stroke
Metabolic syndrome
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Depression
Anxiety
Many types of cancer
Arthritis
3. Improve Your Mood AND Cognitive Function
Feeling depressed or stressed? Physical activity can help you feel happier, more relaxed and less anxious. It also can give you a confidence boost when you start appreciating the changes in your appearance.
4. Boost Your Energy
Out of breath after that flight of stairs? Can’t keep up with your kids or grandkids? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength ,boost your endurance and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.
5. Sleep Better
Having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep? Exercising regularly can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. HINT: Don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to go to sleep.
6. Put the Spark Back into Your Sex Life
When you feel too tired or lack confidence in your physical appears, it’s hard to be “in the mood.” Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and increase your confidence about your physical appearance.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise.
7. Exercise can be fun … and social!
Find something that you truly enjoy doing and where you can connect with others.
So take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it.
The bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are great ways to feel better, boost your health and have fun. So, get moving on the path to a healthier, happier YOU!
Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness, haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis.
