Oh the merry holidays are peeking around the corner and next thing you know it’ll be 2011! What’s to be in the new year? Will it be a year to finally get in shape? Sure, why not right? Gym memberships always increase tenfold once January hits, it’s as sure as Christmas occurring on Dec. 25.
As you’re working out…
You’re helping to improve your lung functioning which helps to get more oxygen out to the working muscles.
Within one hour after working out…
You’re still burning calories at an increased rate just by going about your daily activities.
Within one day after working out…
You’re heart is functioning better. Studies have shown that one good cardio session lowers your blood pressure for up to 16 hours.
Within one week of regular exercise…
Your body is becoming more efficient. Your endurance and aerobic capacity have increased about 5 percent. So you can now go a little farther and a little longer.
Within one month of regular exercise…
Your brain functioning is improving. Your brain is a muscle just like any other in your body and regular exercise helps activate growth-stimulating proteins in your noggin which may help to form new brain cells. (Remember all those college activities that may have killed off a few? No? Well anyway, regular exercise can help to reclaim a little of your youth!)
Within one year of regular exercise…
You’re a whole new person than you were last year. You body functions on a much higher level, your lean muscles are burning fat at a much higher rate, your heart is functioning way more efficiently and you’re not as moody and cranky as you used to be. You enjoy a ‘runner’s high’ much more often now!
And let’s not forget to mention your decreased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, breast cancer, depression, stress, anxiety… just to name a few! And for those who need still more convincing that starting a regular exercise routine is beneficial, check this out.
Anne Marie Costanzo is a nationally certified personal trainer and owner of Little Black Dress Personal Training. She can be reached at am@littleblackdresspt.com or (914) 841-1121.