Sure, we all know that exercise is good for us…. it keeps our weight in check, combats health issues and makes us stronger. When you work out and stay active on a regular basis, it’s not just a coincidence that you feel less stressed, less anxious and generally more happy.

I’ve talked about this topic quite a bit on the blog, but it’s always a topic for discussion since it’s such a huge part of my life. Regular exercise can actually improve your life in so many ways! All you need to do is make it a habit, so find a way to fit a quick workout into your daily routine. After five years of going to 30 Minute Hit (kickboxing studio), I’ve found that nothing works better for me than hitting the circuit. It’s quick (30 minutes), high intensity and gets me the results I want without interfering too much with my ever-changing schedule. For me, exercising is more about my physical and mental health rather than my physical appearance. It’s about feeling good, on the inside. And this would have to be my No. 1.

You guys asked me how I stay motivated to workout so I made a list of the reasons why I can’t get enough – take away from it what you want, but these are honestly the things that keep me motivated to keep hitting the gym. Scroll down:

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Now that you know my No.1 tip to feeling my best, here’s a list of why I love to exercise below.

REASONS I LOVE TO EXERCISE:

+ Reduces stress & Anxiety
Not only does exercising help reduce short-term stress by sweating away the day’s worries but studies show that working out regularly also helps you become less stressed in the long term. Exercise produces endorphins in your brain which help leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

+ Boosts energy
 Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Not to mention help boost your overall mood and energy for the day. Whenever I’m feeling anxious or wake up out of sorts I go to the gym, it’s the easiest way to lift my mood. It helps to blow off steam, release tension and stress and generally leaves me feeling a lot more relaxed.

+ Boosts confidence
Naturally, exercising can help you feel better about yourself — no matter what type of workout you do or how fit you are. Working towards your best self leads to feelings of greater self worth, which also boosts self esteem and improve positive self-image.

+ Better sleep quality
Getting quality sleep and enough of it is essential to good health. Regular exercise is associated with higher quality and longer duration of sleep AND its the easiest and most natural way to ensure you get a good night’s rest.

+ Combat & prevention of illness
Regular exercise helps to protect the body and has been said to help combat against osteoporosis, dementia, strokes and certain cancers to name a few!

+Clearer, more youthful skin
Exercise helps increase blood flow and collagen, which in turn can lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Coupled with lots of water and my daily skincare routine, I’ve seen noticeable results in the appearance, texture and clarity of my skin.

Exercise offers incredible benefits that can improve nearly every aspect of your health from the inside out. Regular physical activity can increase the production of hormones that make you feel happier and help you sleep better. It can also improve your skin’s appearance, help you maintain a healthy weight and lessen the risk of chronic disease. If that’s not reason enough to start making changes in your own routines, I don’t know what is!

Since we are slowly approaching the warmer months, I have a special giveaway that will help to prep you for summer! I’ve teamed up with 30 Minute Hit & Naked Snacks to kick off your spring training — We are offering two readers a chance to each win a $175 Visa gift card as well as a box full of my favourite healthy snacks from Naked Snacks.

HOW TO ENTER

+ Follow @theworkinggirl.ca @30minutehit & @mynakedsnacks on Instagram
+ Like my IG contest announcement & leave a comment telling me you want to win! Don’t forget to tag a friend you’d like to share your prize with.
++ For extra entries, leave a comment below & I will add your name TWICE!

Winner(s) will be announced on Friday!! Good luck!

This post is in partnership with 30 Minute Hit & Naked Snacks. As always, all thoughts & opinions are my own. Photography by: Melissa Skoda