Having fitness goals are great, like that 6-pack you always wanted or the weight you've been trying to shake off. But did you know regular exercise has many many more benefits.? Before we dive into all these, let's take Madiba as an example. During his imprisonment on Robben Island, he followed a strict regime of exercises to stay mentally and physically fit.
The government tried taking away his freedom but he refused to give away all of his power and worked relentlessly on improving his mind. Political prowess whilst maintaining an impressive level of fitness. Some of the exercises he did included jogging on the spot in his cell for about 45 minutes, followed by 100 push-ups and then finishing off with 200 sit-ups! according to his autobiography - Long Walk To Freedom
“I have always believed exercise is a key not only to physical health but to peace of mind” and “I worked better and thought more clearly when I was in good physical condition” – Nelson Mandela
So why did we use Mandela's story as an example? Well, it was simply to motivate you. Just imagine for a second that you could actually live longer, get more done each day, wake up revitalised and having more body confidence, not to mention a better sex life (yes we went there). You can also ultimately improve your memory and cognitive abilities! These benefits of regular exercise will change your life drastically and will leave you mentally and physically fit. So what are you waiting for?
HERE ARE 10 BENEFITS WHY YOU SHOULD EXERCISE REGULARLY
- To improve cardiovascular health
- Help you lose weight
- Increase your energy levels
- Get better sleep and feel more relaxed
- Enhance the shape of your body
- Increase your libido
- Boost your confidence
- Keep muscles, joints and bones strong
- Improve your brain function and memory
- Increase your lifespan
Think about this for one second. If Nelson Mandela could exercise while he was in prison with nothing else there, why can't you exercise when you have everything you need.? Just saying.
Snippets from his book "Long Walk To Freedom"
"I attempted to follow my old boxing routine of doing roadwork and muscle-building from Monday through Thursday and then resting for the next three days. On Monday through Thursday, I would do stationary running in my cell in the morning for up to forty-five minutes. I would also perform one hundred fingertip push-ups, two hundred sit-ups, fifty deep knee-bends, and various other callisthenics."
"I have always believed exercise is a key not only to physical health but to peace of mind. Many times in the old days I unleashed my anger and frustration on a punching bag rather than taking it out on a comrade or even a policeman. Exercise dissipates tension, and tension is the enemy of serenity. I found that I worked better and thought more clearly when I was in good physical condition, and so training became one of the inflexible disciplines of my life. In prison, having an outlet for my frustrations was absolutely essential."
Source/Credit: Personal Trainer & Body Transformation Coach Sheffield
Mandela's Day: Exercise and Uproar - NyTimes
