Making Friends With Exercise
Posted on Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Not everyone loves exercise — that’s a fact! So when you read about how crucial exercise is to achieving long-term weight loss, it can be rather disheartening. So how does one go from being a couch potato to actually enjoying vigorous exercise? Just do it, as the famous athletic brand says! When we exercise at a heart-pumping pace for at least a half hour, our bodies produce chemicals called endorphins that are as powerful as opiates in terms of promoting a sense of happiness, calmness and well-being. In fact, doctors indicate that endorphins are as effective as anti-depressants in dealing with mood issues. Our bodies contain a powerful drug that entices us to exercise so that we can enjoy the chemical benefits short term, and the health benefits long term. So how can you tell if you are exercising hard enough? Aerobically, you should get your heart rate up to between 65 – 85% of it’s maximum (more endorphins are released at the higher end of this range). Strength training 2-3 days a week is also a must for weight loss. Incorporate the two in a technique known as circuit training, and watch the fat melt away!