Reasons to Exercise (that aren't about what you weigh or how you look!)

We've been wanting to do this one for a while!

It's time to change how we talk about exercise (and weight loss), especially for women and even more especially for young girls. The association of weight with health, and weight with looking good, and the fact that if you are "slim" then you must be both healthy and fit are all falsehoods.

One of the worst things about this aspect of diet culture is the fact it has led to women simply not exercising, and thus not getting all of the benefits exercise has to give. Not only are women shamed for their bodies, we're also shamed for wanting to change them.

There are so many wonderful benefits of exercise it is an injustice that weight loss has risen to the top. It is also mind boggling that we have been so strongly conditioned to believe that is the main reason to exercise, that we question why you would exercise if you don't need to lose weight.

Links for things we mention in this episode;

• For images of women exercising check out our Facebook and Instagram - you'll be inspired.
• For more info on James Clear's Atomic Habits 
  • watch Sall's book club video
  • Listen to our episode; The Problem with Goals
  • Listen to our episode; Getting Started with Habits
• To find out how to get your RAS in order - read Sall's blog post.

So, here you go... TWENTY Reasons to Exercise that aren't about weight loss or how you look:

1. Improves your brain health
2. Strengthens your bones and your muscles
3. Your day to day activity improves - the more you move, the more you move!
4. More energy
5. Mood booster
6. Improved productivity, learning ability improved, boosts creative thinking
7. Stress reliever
8. Speeds up recovery from injury, surgery and illness
9. Improved cardio vascular endurance 
10. Improved flexibility 
11. Increased lean body mass - important for health, well being and stability. 
12. Improved posture - muscle Strength and function, use your body properly
13. Anti-aging effects - how you move, getting up off the floor without putting your hands down
14. Improves your sleep.
15. Improves your eating habits. 
16. Increases longevity - our favourite!
17. Decreases risk of preventable disease - osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Cancer. 
18.  Improved balance and co-ordi