One very common resolution that people make for the New Year is to get to the gym and lose the weight that they put on whilst indulging over Christmas. But when we make this resolution are we focusing on only one benefit of exercise and movement? I.e. weight loss.
Sure, weight loss boosts our self-esteem and lessens the stress on our body’s organs but have you considered movement as a nutrient that is as essential to our bodies as, say, Vitamin C?
We’ve known for a long time that regular exercise helps our bodies guard against heart disease and high blood pressure. It also reduces stress, increases muscle strength the aides in the replenishment of red blood cells.
Another benefit of regular exercise is the release of endorphins, our “happy hormones”. When they are released, we can enjoy a reduction of stress, improved sleep and the warding off of feelings of depression and anxiety.
So perhaps when we make our fitness resolutions, focusing on movement as an essential nutrient (and not just a way to help us lose a dress size) is one way we can keep motivated and prioritise movement as an essential part of our lives.
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