• Home
  • 101 Benefits of exercise
101 Benefits of Exercise 
 
A major and often overlooked benefit of exercise is that it helps you to sleep better. 
 
But the benefits of exercise don't stop there. Below are 100 other benefits of exercise (not necessarily in order of importance). 
 
1. Reduces blood pressure 
2. Reduces cholesteral levels 
3. Increases the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol in the blood) 
4. Reduces chances for coronary heart disease 
5. Increases efficiency of heart and lowers resting heart rate 
6. Makes heart muscles stronger 
7. Improves contractile function of the heart 
8. Strengthens lungs 
9. Improves respiratory function 
10. Improves cardiovascular endurance and performance 
11. Provides more oxygen to body, including organs and muscles 
12. Provides more nutrient supply to the body 
13. Reduces chances for stroke 
13. Reduces chances for stroke 
14. Helps to alleviate varicose veins 
15. Increases metabolic rate 
16. Stimulates digestion 
17. Makes digestion more efficient 
18. Stimulates intestinal movements, resulting in better elimination of wastes 
19. Reduces changes for colon cancer 
20. Strengthens and develops muscles 
21. Increases efficiency of muscles 
22. Benefits joints due to stronger muscles 
23. Helps maintain cartilage health in the joints 
24. Eases muscular tension 
25. Alleviates back problems 
26. Increases muscle flexible and agility 
27. Improves speed of muscle contraction and reaction time 
28. More healthy skin due to the fact that skin pores open more during exercise, resulting in more efficient removal of dirt and impurities 
29. Burns up and removes toxins from body 
30. Increases blood flow to the brain 
31. Stimulates growth of nerve cells in memory center of the brain 
32. Improves various indexes of psychological functioning 
33. Enhances brain functioning by increasing the amount of oxygen available to it 
34. Increases sense of well being 
35. Increases resistance to pain because endorphin levels are elevated 
36. Increases sense of excitement because hormone epinephrine is elevated 
37. Alleviates boredom 
38. Lessens worry and tension 
39. Reduces stress by removing lactic acid from blood 
40. Alleviates anxiety and/or pain because tranquilizing effect of exercise lasts for several hours 
41. Enhances mood 
42. Reduces anxiety more effectively and safely than anxiety-reducing medication 
43. Boosts energy 
44. Improves self-esteem and self-confidence since body and mind are improved and strengthened 
45. Increases sense of self control 
46. Provides source of pleasure and fun 
47. Releases anger and negative emotions 
48. Reduces depression more effective than short or long-term psychotherapy 
49. Enhances coordination, power, timing and balance 
50. Boosts immune system functioning 
51. Reduces severity of asthma 
52. Improves functioning of organs 
53. Can relieve tension headaches 
54. Can reduce the urge to smoke because the adrenaline rush and stress relief from a brief workout can replace similar feelings smokers get from tobacco 
Change For Life
55. Burns calories 
56. Causes body to use calories more efficiently 
57. Causes weight loss 
58. Allows one to keep lost weight from returning 
59. Can act as an appetite suppressant 
60. Decreases fat tissue 
61. Improves physical appearance 
62. Enhances one's image and opinion of the body 
63. Improves bone density and prevents osteoporosis 
64. Reduces joint discomfort 
65. Help manage arthritis 
66. Allows one to feel better about their bodies and enjoy sex more as a result 
67. Provides enhanced ability to achieve orgasm 
68. Allows for greater sexual satisfaction 
69. Can reduce or eliminate impotence due to increased blood flow 
70. Prevents or manages type 2 diabetes 
71. Helps insulin work better, lowering blood sugar 
72. Has a significant salutary effect on fibrinogen levels 
73. Alleviates menstrual cramps 
74. Improves athletic performance 
75. Can add years to one's life 
76. Enhances quality of life 
77. Reduces pain and disability 
78. Improves glycogen storage 
79. Reduces risk of developing certain types of cancers of the colon, prostate, uterine lining and breast and other chronic diseases 
80. Regulates hormones 
81. Allows you to overcome illness or injury more quickly 
82. Can lessen medical bills 
83. Reduces anxiety by causing fewer worries about health 
84. Can allow for better performance at work 
85. Allows one to stay independent as they get older 
86. Can keep health care insurance premiums lower 
87. Makes one more attractive to potential mates 
88. Allows for healthy pregnancy 
89. Increases energy and ability to do things one likes 
90. Allows you to be more productive and less stymied by stress and depression 
91. Can help make possible increased income due to increased energy 
92. Allows one to become more familiar with their body and its functioning 
93. Can stimulate mentally 
94. Lets one eat more without gaining weight 
95. Provides a healthy break from work 
96. Adds variety and spice to life 
97. Gives one increased ability to defend oneself and loved ones if needed 
98. Provides a natural high afterwards, such as runners' high 
99. Provides heightened alertness 
100. Reduces inflammation