Whether you want to increase muscle mass, lose weight, or improve your overall health and well-being, going to the gym is an excellent way to achieve these goals.
However, it’s important to remember that too much exercise can harm your body and mind. To ensure you get the most benefit from your time at the gym, here are a few benefits to regular gym workouts.
Increased Muscle Mass
Regular gym workouts can increase your muscle mass, essential for maintaining good health. It is particularly important as you age, when your body may lose muscle mass and strength due to sarcopenia (so-called “age-related loss”).
Increasing muscle mass can also benefit your immune system, improve energy levels, and reduce stress. It is because your muscle cells are responsible for repairing and storing proteins, which help support your body’s overall immunity.
You can also benefit from increased muscle mass by eating a healthy diet high in carbohydrates and protein. Carbohydrates provide energy for your workouts, while protein helps to build muscle tissue. You should also include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals and snacks to ensure you have the nutrients your muscles need for optimum performance.
Reduced Body Fat Percentage
One of the best benefits of regular gym workouts is that they can reduce your body fat percentage. It can help you to achieve a slimmer, toned look and improve your overall health.
However, reducing body fat isn’t as straightforward as losing a few pounds. You also need to ensure you are losing the right type of body fat.
The type of body fat you have is important for your health, as it can increase your risk for certain diseases. It includes heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
Ideally, you should aim to maintain a body fat percentage of about 6-8% for men and 13-15% for women. It is a healthy range, and it can also help you gain muscle mass.
A lower body fat percentage can also help you lose weight quickly, which can be a big bonus when trying to drop some excess weight. It can be achieved through a combination of exercise and diet.
A good way to measure your lost weight is by using body fat calipers. These simple devices can be found at most hardware stores for under $5. Other methods include taking a picture of yourself each week and comparing it to the last picture.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Improved cardiovascular health is a key benefit of regular gym workouts, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Aerobic exercise has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce obesity, and manage diabetes. It also strengthens muscles and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular activity can get your heart rate up and cause you to sweat including jogging, cycling, hiking, dancing, swimming or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). In addition to improving cardiovascular health, regular physical activity can help keep you healthy overall, regardless of age, weight, fitness level or physical abilities.
Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week for the best health benefits. You can also incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises such as resistance and weight training into your routine two days a week.
To ensure you’re doing the right amount of exercise, set a goal and use your heart rate to track your progress. You can also consult a certified trainer or health professional for guidance.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Regular gym workouts can help you fight chronic diseases and improve your health. You can choose a workout that will work with your schedule and current health conditions, but consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
In addition to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, physical activity helps with weight loss and improves overall health. Try getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week if possible. Strength training is another way to stay fit and keep your bones strong, which can help prevent osteoporosis.
Relaxation
Whether you’re winded after a long day at the office or your favourite team just won the Super Bowl, exercise can be an effective way to unwind. A little brisk walking or jogging is the best way to clear your head and burn some calories.
One of the most exciting and rewarding benefits of regular gym workouts is the increased sense of accomplishment and self-esteem from feeling good about your body. Boosted confidence is key to maintaining a healthy weight and controlling stress levels.
Ultimately, your best bet is to pick a form of exercise you enjoy most at the fitness cartel and stick with it. It may take some time to get into a groove, but you’ll be reaping the rewards in spades in no time flat.
Hopefully, your schedule will allow you to get up and go, even if it’s just for the sake of getting moving.
After all, exercise is a proven way to improve your health and increase your quality of life, no matter how busy you are or what the day job holds.
