activity and health.

Exercise has benefits which extend far beyond getting that flat stomach you are after. Here are

more reasons to get your body moving.

1. Weight Control

You have to burn more calories than you eat or drink to lose weight – this phenomenon is

known as ‘calorie deficit’. Research shows that exercise is important to lose weight, but even

more important to maintain weight loss. Forget about the 80% nutrition 20% exercise rule, it

takes 100% commitment to both exercise and nutrition to see real, long term results.


2. Improved Mood

Exercise can improve your mood and regulate your emotions. It’s pretty simple – when you

exercise, your brain releases endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. These

chemicals all work together to make you feel good. Recent research also shows that exercise

can alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression, alongside professional medical

treatment.

3. Boosted Energy

Just half an hour or less of exercise a day can really transform how you feel and how much

energy you have to do all your normal daily activities. Studies found a direct link between a

reduced risk of fatigue for people who were physically active compared to those who were

inactive. The most important thing to do is choose a consistent time where you exercise daily

(first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or when you get home after work). That

way, it becomes an essential activity, not an option!


4. Better Sleep

Research has proven that exercise can improve the quality of your sleep as well as quantity.

It can help strengthen our circadian rhythms, promoting daytime alertness and helping bring on

sleepiness at night, when we actually want to rest. However, remember not to exercise 3 hours

before you go to bed, as this can lead you to feeling restless when you try to fall asleep.

5. Boosts Brainpower

Cardiovascular exercise can create NEW brain cells and help improve overall brain

performance. A tough workout increases levels of a protein called BNDF, which helps with

decision making, higher thinking and learning. Exercising outdoors and dealing with nature

more has also been shown to boost creativity.

We would like YOU to get involved in the Move For Health day by posting a picture of one

healthy thing you do today and tagging us. Make a healthy lunch, go for a walk or run, join a

gym or a yoga class, or just commit to taking the stairs, not the lift.

Remember, taking part in a day like this is great but don’t make it a yearly event. Make the

commitment to staying healthy and moving year-long!