1. You have more energy
This might seem counterintuitive, since you’re expending energy by working out. But exercise has actually been shown to help you feel more energized overall. A peer-reviewed study in PLOS One assessed the energy levels of approximately 100 students who reported feeling burnt out. Half of them started running three times a week while the other half made no changes to their routine. The runners experienced a significant boost in energy levels during the course of the three-month study. A review of studies published in the journal Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior showed that even after just one workout, energy levels are likely to improve.
2. Your brain chemistry changes
Brain chemistry affects everything from your emotions to your cognitive abilities. When you exercise, your brain chemistry actually changes quite a lot. For one, you release serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness and a lower risk of depression. Exercise also releases compounds that make it easier for the brain to form neuronal connections, according to research. Other chemical changes occur, as well, some of which are thought to help prevent mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Of course, exercise is not a complete replacement for other therapies if someone has anxiety or depression. But according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it could help a person manage symptoms
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3. Your hormones are affected
A good workout can actually cause a shift in the hormones floating around your body. Some of these hormones can make you feel good — the “happy hormones” endorphins and dopamine, for example. Research shows that other hormones triggered by exercise, such as irisin, impact your metabolism. Some women experience an increase in testosterone, which helps to build muscle. And sometimes, the “fight or flight” response is triggered during exercise, resulting in a release of stress hormones such as cortisol. The type of workout is a factor in which hormones are triggered; a gentle yoga flow won’t release as many stress hormones as an intense HIIT workout. That’s why some people report experiencing problems when they engage in high-intensity exercise too often — too many stress hormones can be caustic.
4. You grow more mitochondria
Remember learning about those in high school biology? Mitochondria are known as the “powerhouses” of the cell. They are used to convert compounds derived from food into energy that can then be used by muscles. Exercise, as you might imagine, takes a lot of work. When you work out, your mitochondria need to produce more energy in less time. When you start to exercise regularly, your body actually starts to grow more mitochondria in your cells. Research shows that you could actually have as many as 50 percent more mitochondria in your body after just six to eight weeks of regular exercise. This makes your body better at quickly producing energy — and can make exercise feel easier.
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5. You’ll get better sleep
If you struggle to get the hours of sleep you need, getting into an exercise routine can help. A review of studies showed that exercise helps improve the duration and quality of sleep. The timing of your workout does play a role here. For some people, working out too close to bedtime can cause a burst of energy that distracts from sleep. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation this isn’t the case for everyone. If you can work out after dark and pass out afterwards without a problem, go for it.
6. Your brain functions better
It’s smart to exercise — in part because exercise can help you feel smarter. A study in published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology showed that running was associated with an increase in cell growth in the area of the brain associated with learning and memory. Another study published by the American College of Sports Medicine showed that exercise increases the activity of a compound called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This compound helps improve brain function and communication between cells. It also may help prevent cognitive decline as you age. That’s one of the many reasons that exercise is the No. 1 recommendation from some doctors for those looking to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.
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