These Are The Seriously Overlooked Benefits Of Working Out

Getting in shape has become virtually synonymous with "carve the body into a given physical ideal." We glorify the six-pack, celebrate the bikini body, and are on this hamster wheel chasing aesthetic greatness. Having been part of the fitness industry for 22 years, I am well aware that, from a marketing standpoint, the six-packs, bikini bodies, and booty-lifting appeal affect people's desires, in terms of imagery as much as verbiage.

I do think that as an industry, though, we have a responsibility to direct the conversation and tell the whole story. Yes, a beautiful body is sexy. But do you know what else is sexy? Living longer. Living fully. Living at our maximum physical and cognitive function. Living at our greatest potential for as long as possible. And none of these things require a sculpted physique to achieve. They can, however, be achieved with regular and consistent physical activity.

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recently released its annual scientific report of the most current evidence about the disease prevention and health promotion benefits of physical activity. Ten more years of research has given further evidence to the breadth of health benefits that can be attributed to physical activity.

You can decrease your chance of all-cause mortality2 even with the slightest increase in physical activity. This is even more important if you tend to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, consistent exercise can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular mortality and mortality from colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or prostate cancer. For those who already have a chronic condition, exercise may also help with symptoms and chronic conditions.

Even small bouts of activity of any length of time count in a daily accumulated total of activity and contribute to these myriad benefits. Moving your body is incredibly important for your health and even more beneficial when you enjoy doing so. As studies have shown3, those who are physically active sleep better, feel better, function better—and ultimately, lead happier and more fulfilled lives.