You might have heard that adults need about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For a lot of people, this number can seem really high. Who has time for that much exercise anyway?

The thing is, when you view physical activity as something you HAVE to do rather than something you are PRIVILEGED to do, you’re doing yourself a disservice. There are over 50 known benefits to regular exercise, and I’m here to share a few that you might not be aware of. 

Keeps Your Body Fit & Able

Ever heard the term functional fitness? Imagine this: You’ve planned a trip to Disney World with your kids or grandkids. When you arrive, you realize that you will be walking on average 7 to 9 miles per day to keep up with the kids. Do you want to be able to walk alongside them holding their hand? Or do you want to be stuck sitting on benches because you’re too exhausted? If I had to guess, it would be the first option, and unless you are in decent physical shape, 7 to 9 miles a day is not going to be easy or even doable. Especially not for a full week at Disney. 

It Helps You Sleep Better

Exercise will help you fall asleep faster and improve your sleep quality, and this is backed up by multiple studies. Additionally, physical activity can reduce your daytime sleepiness as well. You will be ditching that midday energy drink because you won’t need it! I don’t know about you, but I have not met a single adult who doesn’t think their sleep could be improved. Exercise is an easy, medication free way to fix that. 

It Improves Skin Tone & Color

Exercising improves your body’s blood flow. Improved blood flow means the fresh blood is reaching the skin’s surface and delivering nutrients that repair it. Additionally, this blood flow flushes out all of the bad waste products that have built up on your skin. No need for facials! Enjoy glowy skin from some physical activity!

It Fights Dementia

There have been over ten studies that indicate that regular exercise can reduce your chance of developing dementia by thirty percent, and it can reduce your chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease by forty-five percent. There has also been evidence that shows even older people can decrease their chance of dementia by starting an exercise regimen later in life. People who exercise can literally reverse brain shrinkage at any age— now that’s pretty amazing!

If any of those reasons resonated with you, I encourage you to find a physical activity you enjoy and get moving! If you’re interested in checking out Fitness 1440 in White House, we offer free seven day passes to try it out. We also have fitness classes and personal training if you are looking for some help getting started! 

Above all, here at Fitness 1440 we just want to see our community happy, healthy, and prospering. 

About the Expert:

Jonathan McAllister is the owner of Fitness 1440 in White House, TN opened earlier this year. Previously he was a police officer with the Gallatin PD.
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