| You know you will be slimmer, more toned, look better, have more energy and be healthier, but there are some benefits of being fit that you may not know about. |
1. Better hearing
It’s true! A study at Miami University found that cardiovascular training improves your hearing in the short term and helps to preserve it in the long term. Other studies have found that the least fit people tend to have the worst hearing. |
Researchers from Rhode Island College suggests that aerobic exercise can kick-start your creativity – and keep your brain cells tingling for a couple of hours afterwards. Also, don’t overdo it, as the best creativity boost comes from exercising at a comfortable pace. |
| Most of these studies are from American researchers, however we will be looking at Australian research results in the future. |
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| 3. Higher libido
Yes, being fit helps to improve your sex life! An American study that looked at 8,000 women aged 18 to 49 found that in women who exercise three times a week, many report a significant increase in their sex lives. Researchers have confirmed the same results with men. |
4. More quitting power
If you are trying to stop smoking, research suggests that exercise might help. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed 281 sedentary female smokers, who were otherwise healthy, in their efforts to quit. The study found that smokers who do assigned exercise sessions are twice as likely to quit and stay cigarette free compared to those who don’t do any exercise. |
| 5. Sleep better Being active during the day can help you get more sleep at night. According to the US National Sleep Foundation, physical activity can help you to fall asleep more quickly and get better quality sleep. Regular exercise can also help sufferers of insomnia to beat their problem. And, contrary to popular belief, recent research from the University of California suggests that even late evening workouts won’t hamper your ability to get to sleep. 6. Regular as clockwork Yes, we’re talking about how regularly you go to the loo here! An Australian study found that regular exercisers are less likely to suffer from constipation than sedentary people. The boost to your circulation – as well as the actual physical effects of movement – are thought to be the reason for this. There is even a link between high levels of fitness and low levels of bowel cancer. |
| 7. Focus The fact that exercise requires planning, dedication,application, and discipline means that every time you get your gear on, you are working on your character development, too. For example, a study of people training for a marathon in New York found that regular exercise improves people’s goal-setting, organisation and discipline – both at work and in other areas of life. |
| The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk. Jacqueline Schiff |
And now some unsurprising benefits: You stay more flexible Improves your skin tone - get that rosy glow Gives you more energy for all the other things you want to do Improves your ability to fight infections like flu |
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