Hi there,
Welcome back to ‘Hey Coach Darren’ – the advice column where I’ll be sharing my top three tips on a different topic each week, inspired by real-life scenarios from our current members (and you)!
Admittedly, many people come to FitTRAC with weight loss goals. In fact, the vast majority of people that begin on a fitness journey share that goal and aim to lose weight through their efforts. Unbeknownst to them upon starting their journey, they’ll be able to reap the MANY benefits of their newfound exercise habits while they shed their unwanted body fat.
Truly, there are very few things in life that reward your investments (time, money, energy, etc.) more than exercise – and it isn’t all about losing weight! But if you’re not regularly exercising, not only do you not know about its benefits, you aren’t experiencing them! A FitTRAC member conveyed this to me about her mostly-sedentary husband – he isn’t overweight so he doesn’t feel like he needs to exercise very much/at all. So she asked for some advice about the other benefits of exercise to help encourage him to get up and get moving:
“Hey Coach Darren, my husband isn’t overweight, but he rarely works out. He thinks that his health and lifestyle are healthy even without regular exercise – it is absolutely crazy!
You see, he’s always been relatively fit, and he’s never struggled with weight issues. He’s naturally lean, and I think that’s contributed to his belief that exercise is unnecessary for him. However, I don’t think he realizes that exercise goes far beyond just shedding pounds.
I try to tell him that it impacts our overall well-being in numerous ways, but his lifestyle doesn’t change. He just turned 41 too, and I know that as we age we naturally decline in a lot of ways. So, I’m looking for those compelling reasons that can inspire him to get moving, not just for the sake of weight loss, but for all the hidden gems that exercise can bring into our lives.
Can you share some other benefits of exercise that I can pass along to him to encourage him to start exercising regularly?”
I’m thrilled to see you’re eager to encourage your husband to join the fitness train, and he should get on it ASAP! Because you are absolutely, 100% right – the benefits from working out are (almost) endless! So please, share this with your husband:
- Boosting brain power and mental health: Regular exercise can supercharge your cognitive abilities. Studies show that it enhances memory, improves focus, and even reduces the risk of cognitive decline as we age. So, remind your husband that working out isn’t just about getting fit; it’s about staying sharp mentally.
Regular exercise can also be a natural mood booster. It releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in your brain. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall mental well-being.
Yes, working out can be tough… but afterwards you’ll be feeling happier and can help you feel sharper all through the day and the rest of your life!
- Strengthening your immune system and adding longevity: Exercise isn’t only about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. Regular physical activity can help bolster your immune system by stimulating the production of various immune cells, such as white blood cells and antibodies. These cells are like your body’s bodyguards against pathogens, so having more of them makes you less susceptible to illnesses.
Moreover, when you work up a sweat during exercise, your body temperature rises. This increase in temperature can help kill off harmful bacteria and viruses, acting as a natural defense mechanism.
Studies have also shown time and time again that regular physical activity is closely linked to improved longevity. It lowers the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. It also helps manage and prevent type 2 diabetes, a condition that can seriously impact one’s quality of life. Last but not least, exercise is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, such as colon and breast cancer.
- Enhanced relationships and being a role model: When you feel better physically and mentally through exercise, your relationships can benefit too. Regular exercise can lead to improved self-esteem, confidence, and a more positive outlook, which can translate into healthier interactions with family and friends.
Another important fact is that leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about oneself. By embracing regular exercise, you can set a positive example for your family (especially any children you might have), friends, coworkers, or anybody else in your life. Healthy habits can be contagious!
Now, these benefits are quite convincing on their own, right? So, share these gems with your husband and encourage him to give exercise a try, even if it’s just starting with a brisk walk or a fun activity he enjoys. Remember, every little bit counts.
Stay tuned for next week’s ‘Hey Coach Darren’ where I’ll be sharing more valuable tips to help you become happier, healthier, and stronger.
Stronger Together,
Coach Darren
P.S. Do you need help with your health and fitness? Just hit ‘Learn more’ and I’ll be sure to give you some tips in an upcoming ‘Hey Coach Darren’ blog post.