Need motivation to get off the couch? Here are some exercise benefits you may not have heard about to help you (or someone you know) get moving.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
You’ve heard that exercise is good for your heart and muscles, and may help you live longer. But here are six benefits that may surprise you.
One: A better sex life. In men, exercise is a natural Viagra. And in women it may increase sexual desire and satisfaction.
Two: Sounder sleep. Studies show regular exercise may be as effective as sleep medicine at helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Three: Fewer colds. People who do aerobic exercise are half as likely to catch colds as non-exercisers. And when they do get sick, their symptoms tend to be milder.
Four: Fewer eye problems. Exercisers have a lower risk of cataracts. They’re also less prone to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss.
Five: Better hearing. Walking or other activities may help prevent hearing loss as long as you don’t blast music into your ears while you exercise.
Six: Better bathroom habits. Okay, I know it’s gross, but exercise may help reduce constipation. In women it can also prevent leaking urine and in men, cut the number of nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Imagine a pill that did all that, plus lowered the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia and depression. You’d be clamoring for it, right? So get up and get moving.
For the truth about more fitness-related claims, check out my book, Fitter Faster. You’ll also learn how to slash your workout time and get even better results.