You joined the gym or purchased a collection of fitness DVDs, but you still haven't budged from the couch. You know that fitness is good for your heart, lungs, bones, and pretty much every other organ in your body. Do you need another motivator to start living healthy? Perhaps this next reason can kick start that fitness routine: your skin, the largest organ in your body, can greatly benefit, too.
Your Body is Like a Car
As a refresher, here's why exercise is so good for you. According to USANA Health Sciences spokesperson and celebrity trainer, Kathy Kaeler, you should think of your body as a car. If you fail to give it regular oil changes, let it be idle for too long, or don't pay close attention to telltale signs that it needs a checkup, it will slowly break down. Our bodies function in the same way. Regular exercise coupled with proper nutrition is what will make your body perform at its best, and continue to do so even as you age. According to Kaeler, run down this list to see if your body is in tip-top shape. Do you have:
- Good, sustained energy
- Toned muscles
- An ideal body weight
- A good, solid sleep routine
Why Your Skin Gets Benefits
In addition to anatomical perks such as lung, heart, and bone health and boosts of energy you can get through exercise, your skin gets added benefits, too. According to Kaeler, the more you sweat, the more blood circulates through your body, thereby bringing more nutrients to your skin cells. This results in a youthful and healthy glow. Increased blood circulation also produces collagen to help ward off wrinkles and lines. If you have acne-prone skin caused by stress, exercise can decrease your stress, therefore reducing stress-produced hormones that induce acne flare ups. Ultimately, exercise makes your skin brighter and clearer.
If this seems like a good deal to you, performing the right exercises that flush out your pores is a great place to start. Give these skin-enhancing activities a try (just be sure to check with your doctor first):
- Running
- Step classes
- Spinning
- Cardio machines
- Strength training
- Circuit workouts
- Boot camps
And remember: always drink plenty of water to help keep you hydrated while you work out.
