why working out is more than just exercise

Working out has more benefits than just strength and endurance. It can be a boon to your mental health and feeling of social connection, too! There are so many ways to work out both by yourself or with a group of friends or new people. 

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev

social connection and friends

One of the main reasons people continue to go to their favorite gym or exercise in groups is because you have accountability, the work doesn't seem so hard, and you can form social connections when doing so. Group workout gyms like Fitness 19 have been popping up all over the country. Not only can they help you get in an intense workout, but you can also meet new people that turn into friends. 

mental health  benefits

​There are many mental and brain benefits of exercising. Research shows that exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and negative mood by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. It can also alleviate symptoms of social withdrawal and take your mind off things. 

skin benefits

Do you have a skincare routine? Is exercise part of it? You may be wondering what working out has to do with your skin, other than getting sweaty! But stay with me. Aerobic exercises increase blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout your body as your muscles work - but your skin cells get that boost, too! These boosts lead to more blood vessels and capillaries, just like elsewhere in your body.  which can contribute to better health and younger-looking skin. 

metabolism booster

One of the biggest reasons people begin exercising in the first place is to lose fat. And regular resistance training works exceptionally well for this. But you may not realize that exercise vastly improves your fat-burning capabilities over time, because the aerobic benefits of elevating your heart rate stay with you for the rest of that day, and the muscle you build burns more calories than the fat it replaces.