It's that weird time of year, the limbo between Christmas and New Year where anything other than reaching for the cheese board or deciding which box set to watch next feels like too much effort.
Exercise tends to takes a back seat for a lot of us (if you're still smashing your workouts as normal we salute you), after all Christmas only comes around once a year and it's the perfect time to enjoy making memories with your loved ones. If you're struggling to find the motivation to start exercising again then here are 4 reasons that have nothing to do with weight loss or damage limitation after festive excess to help motivate you to get moving and sweating!
1. To boost your memory
A study conducted by the University of Maryland found that just 10 days off exercise could reduce the blood flow to the hippocampus, the part of our brain that helps our memory keep ticking over nicely. Another study by the British Psychological Society showed that exercise improves your short-term memory.
2. To help your heart
Can't face a full on workout at the gym? A study conducted by Binghamton University in New York has found that a simple walking regime of moderately intensive walking improves cardiovascular risk factors in the short term.
3. To feel great about yourself
Ever felt yourself leave the gym with your head held just that little bit higher following a workout? Norwegian researchers found that exercise helps increase self-esteem in children and young people.
4. To get a good nights sleep
Many studies have shown the link between exercise and sleep - those who exercise appear to wake up less and sleep for longer. So if you're looking for a great night of rest then be sure to hit the gym.
