Okay, so we all know that exercise is good for us and being a lazy couch potato is bad. We also know that regular exercise helps us blast fat and maintain a healthy body weight. However, there are numerous lesser-known health benefits to regular exercise — from increased sex drive to better digestion and sleep habits! And the benefits affect all of you, regardless of age, sex, weight or physical ability.

Following is a short list of ways exercise can improve your life. Pat yourselves on the back for being proactive about your health and checking off every item on this list because you’ve made a commitment to make a change!

1. Exercise improves mental health

Exercise does more than just burn calories and get your body into shape, it also affects our mental health! Exercise helps relieve stress and stimulates our “feel-good” brain chemicals. You’ll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which will boost confidence and improve self-esteem. Exercise also has been shown to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and many doctors will prescribe regular workouts to help battle the blues.

2. Exercise helps you manage your weight

When you exercise, you blast calories, duh. But did you know the more muscle mass you build, the more calories you’ll burn throughout the day? And the higher your intensity level when you workout, the more calories you’ll burn! Aim to sweat it out 30-45 min a day 3-5 days a week for optimal health.

3. Exercise promotes better sleep

Regular workouts help you fall and stay asleep more easily and increase the amount of time you spend in the deepest stage of sleep. It also improves the quality of your sleep.

4. Exercise can improve your sex life

Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can increase your stamina, improve your body image, elevate your mood and enhance your libido!

5. Slows the aging process

Working out improves skin and muscle tone, increases flexibility and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. It also improves blood circulation through your heart and blood vessels so you’ll feel younger and more energetic!

6. Exercise can help you bond with others

Staying active can be a great way to have fun, make new friends and bond more with family. The hardest part of exercise is getting started, enlisting a friend can help keep you accountable and can make workouts fun!

7. Exercise fights disease

Regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity and osteoporosis. Regular exercise can also help you prevent type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer and it strengthens your heart and lungs.

Remember, Urban Athletics Boot Camp is a great way to get your exercise for the day and then go about your daily routine!