Additional benefits of working out..

[eaglobo]

What are some of the things that exercise has given you, other than a better, healthier figure, some of the things you never knew you could get from exercise.

Mine are

Stress Relief..a great workout makes everything seem possible.

Improved Mental Health...my mind is much clearer and my mood is brighter after a good workout.

Better nights' sleep...I never used to be able to sleep through the night with much success until I took exercise seriously. Watched far too many infomercials for OxyClean at 3 am, just wishing the guy hosting would put a lid on it!}(

I never realized I had a problem with alcohol until I stopped using it as a crutch..never knew I could feel good without it..I feel a million times better since I stopped, and at no real cost.


I guess you could say everything about me is better since I began exercising regularly..that's the #1 benefit for me!

Jerry

 

[LauraMax]

All of the above, plus it's kind of given me a social life, which is both a blessing & a curse. I meet some really great people at my gym, some of whom I socialize with outside of the gym, in actual STREET CLOTHES! :+

The drawback is that often I get caught up in conversations while I'm trying to focus on my routine b/c I don't want to be rude. So a 60 minute workout turns into a 90 minute workout. x(

 

[CollinsMom]

I agree with the OP -- stress relief, better mental health... Also, friends, a love for my body, and appreciation for my body.

 

[bknshape]

No more back problems!! I used to throw my back out a few times a year. I would be out of commission for a few days, on the couch with a heating pad most of the time. One time I was cleaning the toilet (of all things). I stood up and a knot twisted in my back, I could barely crawl to the phone to call my husband. He had to come home and get our son out of the high chair. I was on the floor, in pain, talking to my son, hoping he would stay put until my husband came home. Back pain is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy! It hurts to breath, sit, stand, turn your head and you pray you don't ever have to cough!!

Great thread Jerry!!

Diane

 

[bknshape]

Hey Jerry,

Just saw your other thread about your back. Sorry your in pain, I can't even imagine. Hopfully you will find some helpful advice through the forum!

Diane

 

[eaglobo]

Thanks,

Funny thing about backs....I did Kick Punch & Crunch today and felt fantastic..my back bothers me more when I'm inactive, or, it seems, doing step at this time.

I refuse to believe I'll never be able to do step safely, but I'm not going to be foolish about it, either.

Jerry

 

[kathryn]

Definitely mood enhancement.
And preventing knee and back pain (when I've missed working out for too long, it returns).

 

[geojill]

Stress management!
Improved mental health...DH can usually tell if I've worked out or not from my mood.
I wish I had a better night's sleep, but that's been an ongoing problem for years.
I just feel better physically and mentally. I can do more and I am stronger. I can hike higher and further due to the strength and endurance I gain from my workouts and I have been able to pull someone about 40 pounds heavier than me up a steep hillslope in the snow...she was shocked!