Slayer's Den

[01dragonslayer]

You know that working out is good for you. But did you know that leading a healthier lifestyle will yield benefits that most don't talk about?

If you've just started exercising and lifting weights, congratulations. You'll eventually get to the point where working out becomes second nature... And that's when the fun happens.

Keep sticking to your workout routine and work on creating healthier habits. Here are a few things to look forward to once you start choosing healthy over unhealthy.

So You Just Started Working Out?​

#1 - Mornings Become Okay​

I used to get up at 5 in the morning to go to the gym before work at 8. Before I started lifting weights, I was lucky to make it to work on time.

That first time you wake up to your alarm to work out in the morning will suck, honestly, but get up and catch some sun.

Studies show that if you can get sun exposure first thing in the morning, your body's internal clock will help you sleep better and improve your mood. It sounds crazy, but getting into a workout routine will make you become a morning person.

#2 - You'll Start Looking Younger​

Once you start eating healthier and making working out a habit, you'll start noticing an improvement in your skin.

Research shows that working out at least twice a week for three months can help you regain the skin of a 20-something.

#3 - You'll Start Being Okay With Being Sore​

If you've ever gotten out of bed and felt a (good) pain in a muscle that you didn't know you had, congratulations.

Your body is rebuilding and making it stronger. The pain comes from micro tears in your muscles and some inflammation in your connective tissue.

So next time you start feeling the burn, you know your body is about to become stronger than it was.

#4 - You'll Make New Friends​

Once you start consistently working out, you may find a group of friends in the gym you go to.

Once you make friends with them, you'll have a buddy that can help give you a spot on lifts, hold you accountable, and gives you an opportunity to help someone reach their goals.

#5 - You'll Lose Other Friends​

Friends who are more or less your "unhealthy" friends will start dropping off.

These friends will get mad that you are going to the gym instead of spending time with them.

They won't be supportive of your healthy changes or your goals.

You don't need people constantly derailing your hard work and motivation because they are too lazy to get in shape.

#6 - You'll Perform Better at Your Job​

Studies show that working out, especially cardio, boosts cognitive abilities and improve memory.

If you've ever wondered why you were so focused after a workout, this is why.

#7 - You'll Find Loyalty to Your Favorite Fitness Brands​

You just picked up a couple pieces of apparel and people notice.

You'll start having an intense loyalty to fitness brands, including supplement companies, apparel companies, or even *cough* a blog that is on a supplement company's website.

Once you find a perfect fit, you'll start building confidence and reaching fitness goals you never thought possible.

#8 - Unhealthy Food Won't Sound as Good Anymore​

I used to drool over some of the horribly unhealthy food recipes that my friend shared.

The last one he shared was a chili cheese dog that the bun was a grilled cheese sandwich. That used to sound great, but now it doesn't. Researchers call this a "transfer effect."

Once your body and mind feel the benefits of eating healthier and working out, you'll start making better choices.

This is why I tell people to get started and quit worrying about making huge changes; they come naturally as you consistently workout.

#9 - No More Winter Blues​

Exercise is the best anti-depression medicine there is.

A good sweat session raises your endorphins, builds your confidence, and takes your mind off of the bullcrap that bogs you down.

Next time someone tells you to "take a chill pill," drop and do 20 push-ups. They will think you are stupid, but it works.

#10 - You'll Make Better Use of Your Phone​

There are so many fitness apps and communities out there.

As you make healthy choices and put being healthy ahead of unhealthy habits, you'll notice your phone filling up with fitness apps and bookmarks to your favorite websites.

#11 - You'll See What Motivation and Hard Work Can Accomplish​

Going to the gym even when you don't want to provides your body with the feel-good vibes you need.

Pushing yourself on that treadmill or breaking PRs will show you what hard work and motivation can accomplish. This newfound confidence will carry over into other parts of your life.

Start setting goals in every aspect of your life and use exercise and motivation to smash those goals.