There are obvious reasons people start exercising, and then there are the reasons that actually keep you going. Let’s talk about some really good reasons to get moving and stay active that are less obvious when you look in the mirror.
Boosted Mood
A 2025 study reported that moderate exercise of 10 to 30 minutes can effectively improve your mood. The notorious “exercise high” isn’t a myth. A workout triggers the release of feel good chemicals in your brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine, endorphins, and dopamine. Exercise also slows down the release of stress hormones.
More Good Mental Health Days
On average, a person has 3.4 poor mental health days per month. Among those who exercise, that number dropped by more than 40 percent according to this study. Researchers concluded that three to five 45 minute exercise sessions a week make a positive impact on mental health for most people.
Better Cognitive Function
Staying active improves blood flow to the brain and promotes neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells. Physical activity also strengthens the connections between brain cells, and stronger connections lead to faster thinking and improved problem solving. Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center also found that people who exercised regularly experienced slower brain degeneration in areas critical for memory retention.
Increased Energy
Exercise is a paradox. It can make your muscles physically tired, but you’ll actually feel more energized because your heart is pumping oxygen to your brain, muscles, and tissues faster. Even low intensity exercise can have a positive effect on your energy.
Effective Prevention and Symptom Management
Exercise is prescribed to help prevent and manage symptoms associated with chronic conditions including heart disease and stroke, high cholesterol, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and arthritis.
“Medication doses can sometimes be reduced or maintained, and disease severity can be improved considerably depending on the condition. The practical benefits are impressive.” (Shawn Flanagan, PhD)
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I create a strategic exercise program designed to meet you where you are and help you systematically move toward your goals. Don’t wait for the perfect time to get started. Every new client starts with a $79 intro session: book yours here.
Shout Outs
Shout out to Ralph, who is 90 years old and trains three times a week without fail. Every Monday, every Wednesday, every Friday. He does not miss. This month Ralph knocked out 20 full squats completely unassisted. No hands, no hold, just him and gravity. Most people half his age can’t say the same. Ralph is proof that the best time to start was yesterday and the second best time is right now.
Shout out to Lars, who just started training this month and has already gone from 40 degrees down to 35 degrees on his Nordic curls. Nordic curls are one of the hardest hamstring exercises there is, and every degree lower makes them significantly more difficult. That kind of commitment this early is rare.
Shout out to Debbi, who a few years ago was told she needed ankle surgery. She found another way, did the work, and avoided the operating table entirely. Now she and her husband John come in every single week and train together. She said it best herself: “He keeps us on track, and we definitely notice how we are better for working with him.”
A Note From Caleb
Lately when I’m not training a client, improving the gym space, or hanging with my family, I’m training for the Hood to Coast run.
I’ll be honest, it’s been slow going. But each time I go for a run I can go a little further, push a little harder, and I can feel myself leveling up. And that’s the beauty, right? If you show up consistently and stick to the program, you WILL make progress. And over time that slow incremental progress really builds up.
That’s something I love about being a personal trainer. Seeing my clients show up consistently, push themselves, and accomplish new wins every day never gets old.
Keep moving,
Caleb