8 Unavoidable Reasons To Join A Gym.
- Healtheir Than Ever
- May 24, 2023
- 8 min read
Getting Started
As the saying goes, “Health is wealth,” and there is no better way to maintain and improve one’s health than by staying active and engaging in regular exercise. While there are countless ways to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, joining a gym can be an excellent option for many people. In this article, we will discuss eight health reasons why one should consider joining a gym immediately.
Weight Loss
A common and important health benefit of joining a gym is weight-loss and that is also the first benefit in our list. If you are struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, then joining a gym can be a great way to help you achieve that goal.
Regular exercise burns calories, increases metabolism, and builds lean muscle mass, all of which can help you to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, joining a gym provides you access to a variety of equipment and classes that can help you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.
Studies have shown that individuals who attend the gym regularly and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day can lose weight more effectively than those who do not.
For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, suggests that if you exercise in a gym rather than at home then your chances of losing weight is more compared to those who exercised at home.
This is because gyms provide access to a range of equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, which can help you burn calories more efficiently.
For example, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a popular gym class that involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. This type of workout is very effective for weight loss, as it burns a significant number of calories in a short amount of time.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Improvement in your cardiovascular health is another significant health benefit you get by joining a gym. Cardiovascular exercises are beneficial for your heart health, as they help to strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation.
The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle in the body, it needs regular exercise to function correctly. Cardiovascular exercises help to increase the strength of the heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently.
According to the American Heart Association, adults should aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to improve cardiovascular health. The organization recommends a combination of both cardiovascular and strength training exercises for optimal health benefits.
A study published in the journal Hypertension found that aerobic exercise can help to reduce your blood pressure with hypertension. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that regular aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 27%.
Furthermore, regular exercise can also help to improve lung function. Cardiovascular exercises such as running and cycling help to improve the body’s ability to use oxygen, which can lead to improved lung function.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that regular exercise can help to improve lung function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Increased Strength and Flexibility
Strength and flexibility are two critical aspects of physical fitness that you may often overlook but can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being and that is the third benefit in our list.
Fortunately, joining a gym is an effective way you can improve both. Strength training exercises such as weightlifting have been shown to increase muscle mass, which in turn can lead to improvements in overall strength and endurance.
In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, researchers found that after six months of weightlifting, participants saw an average increase in muscle mass of 2.3 kilograms and a decrease in body fat of 1.8 kilograms.
Strength training can also have numerous benefits beyond just improving physical appearance. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, strength training can help to improve bone density, reduce the risk of injury, and even improve mood and cognitive function.
In addition to strength training, flexibility exercises such as stretching and yoga can also be important components of a fitness routine. Improving flexibility can help to reduce the risk of injury, improve posture, and increase range of motion.
Yoga, in particular, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving balance and coordination, and even lowering blood pressure.
A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that a 12-week yoga program led to significant improvements in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength among older adults.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
The fourth health benefit on our list is reducing Stress and Anxiety. Stress and anxiety are common experiences for many people, and they can have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health.
By joining a gym, you can take advantage of the supportive environment and various activities that can help promote relaxation and stress relief.
Research has shown that exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that regular exercise can lead to a reduction in anxiety levels. In addition, participating in group exercise classes has been shown to provide social support, which can further enhance mood and reduce stress levels.
Moreover, many gyms offer classes and activities that specifically focus on relaxation and stress relief, such as yoga and meditation. Yoga, for example, has been found to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that practising yoga for just 10 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety levels.
Joining a gym can also provide you with a structured routine, which can help reduce your stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of control and organization. By having a set time and place for exercise, you can establish a consistent routine and feel a sense of accomplishment from meeting your fitness goals.
Additionally, exercise can also boost self-esteem and confidence, which can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. By setting and achieving fitness goals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your physical abilities.
Improves Bone Density:
Weight-bearing exercises are essential for maintaining good health, especially as you age. Resistance training is one of the best ways for you to build and maintain strong bones, and joining a gym can provide the necessary equipment and support to incorporate these exercises into your routine.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that individuals perform resistance exercises at least two to three times per week to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that postmenopausal women who participated in a 12-month resistance training program saw significant improvements in bone density in their hips and spines.
Another study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that weight-bearing exercises can increase bone density and strength in premenopausal women as well.
Resistance training can reduce the risk of falls, which can lead to fractures in older individuals. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that resistance training significantly reduced the risk of falls in older adults.
When starting a resistance training program, you must work with a qualified fitness professional to ensure proper technique and form to reduce the risk of injury.
Additionally, incorporating weight-bearing exercises into a well-rounded fitness plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, flexibility training, and proper nutrition can provide even greater benefits for your overall health and wellness.
Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Physical inactivity has become a leading cause of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is responsible for 3.2 million deaths each year.
Studies have found that even a moderate amount of exercise, such as 30 minutes a day, can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.
Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. Other studies have found a link between regular exercise and a reduced risk of breast and lung cancer.
Exercise has been shown to increase energy levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Exercise can also improve your physical appearance, leading to increased self-confidence and a better overall sense of well-being.
Improves Sleep Quality:
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. However, many people struggle with sleep problems, such as insomnia, which can have a significant impact on their overall well-being.
One of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality is by engaging in regular exercise, which can be facilitated by joining a gym. Research has shown that exercise can help regulate sleep patterns and promote better sleep quality.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, people who exercise regularly are more likely to fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restorative sleep.
The study found that people who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week had a 65% improvement in sleep quality compared to those who did not exercise regularly.
Exercise has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that participants who engaged in aerobic exercise for 16 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their sleep quality and a reduction in symptoms of insomnia.
It’s worth noting that the timing of exercise can also impact sleep quality. Research suggests that exercising in the morning or early afternoon can be more beneficial for sleep quality than exercising in the evening. This is because exercise stimulates the body, raising core body temperature and heart rate, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle.
Increases Longevity:
One of the benefits of joining the gym is increased longevity. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who engage in regular exercise have a lower risk of premature death and increased longevity compared to those who are sedentary.
A study published in The Lancet in 2018 found that individuals who exercised for at least 150 minutes per week had a 31% lower risk of premature death compared to those who did not exercise at all.
Diabetes is one of the chronic diseases that you can avoid by regular exercise. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that engaging in regular physical activity reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.
Another study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who engaged in regular exercise had a 24% lower risk of developing heart disease.
Joining a gym can be particularly beneficial for you if you do not have access to outdoor exercise options or you may struggle to stay motivated on your own. The structured environment of a gym can provide accountability and social support, which can help you stick to your exercise routines.
Winding Up
Thus, there are numerous health benefits to joining a gym, from weight control to improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mental health. If you are considering making exercise a regular part of your life, joining a gym can be an excellent way to achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember, the key is to find a gym that is comfortable and supportive, with staff and members who can help you stay motivated and on track. So why not consider joining a gym today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you?
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