5 Mind-blowing benefits of exercise

Benefit 1
It reverses the detrimental effects of stress.
Exercise boosts levels of soothing brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.  Exercise may actually work on a cellular level to reverse stress's toll on your ageing process.

Benefit 2
It lifts depression.
Sustained, sweat-inducing activity can reduce symptoms of depression.

Benefit 3
It improves learning.
Exercise increases the level of brain chemicals called growth factors that help make new brain cells.

Benefit 4
It builds self-esteem and improves body image.
Even simply seeing fitness improvements, like running a faster mile or lifting more weight, can improve your self-esteem and body image.

Benefit 5
It leaves you feeling euphoric.
High-intensity exercise can leave you with a feeling of euphoria.  Try running, biking, or swimming as fast as you can for 30 to 40 seconds and then reduce your speed to a gentle pace for five minutes before sprinting again.


Kotz, D (2010). 5 mind-blowing benefits of exercise.  Available at http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/fitness/articles/2010/06/30/0630healthexercise.html.  Accessed 3/08/2010