5 reasons to exercise + feel good

I've been more than slack on the exercise front recently + always manage to find an excuse as to why I can't work out. But I know I need to get my act together + shake off these winter blues because summer is going to arrive before we know it. And given that I'm headed to the South of Spain next month, where the temperatures are still going to be lovely and warm, I need to make sure I'm in good shape!

So starting this week I'm going to get back into my exercise rhythm, aiming to commit to a regular exercise schedule of 4 times a week for at least 45 minutes. I know how good I always feel after I have exercised, so I really just need to make the time + do it!

Here are a few reasons to put those running shoes on + get moving...

1. Exercise gives you energy. Yep, strange but true, the more energy you expend on exercise will actually help feel more alert and energized throughout the day. Exercise  = energy. 

2. Brainpower. Research has shown that exercise improves a person’s memory more than those brain games you read about on the Internet.

3. Sleep. Fact: people who exercise sleep better at night. 

4. Exercise helps to improve your mood. Working out stimulates chemicals in your  brain that leave you feeling happier and relaxed, which reduce the risk for anxiety and depression when you exercise regularly. 

5. Exercise improves your self esteem. When you commit to exercising regularly you are doing something that is contributing to your overall health and well-being, which in turn will help you feel better about your body.

How do you keep motivated to exercise + keep up a regular schedule?

Rachel xo

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