We’re constantly told we need to get moving and exercise for our health. A fair number of people also make exercise a priority in an effort to improve their physique. While these are two key benefits to staying physically active, they are far from the only benefits you’ll experience. 

Exercise is all around good for you no matter how young or old you are. From your mental state to social interaction, there are hidden benefits of exercise you won’t necessarily see in the mirror. 

People who are just beginning their workout journey may look at it as a solo endeavor. Many quickly find that joining a gym and classes brings the added benefit of camaraderie with like-minded people who are working towards similar goals. Some types of exercise, such as Pure Barre, are actually designed to create a community as well as individual fitness. 

Finding a tribe of fitness friends has a huge benefit on your mental and emotional wellbeing, and it can improve the odds of reaching your goals. Recently, NBC News reported on the powerful effects of working out in a group. The tribe mentality leads to more motivation to go the extra mile and make healthier choices. Studies show if you surround yourself with healthy friends you’ll pick up their good habits.

Many studies have shown that exercise and physical activity don’t just enhance muscle tone. It also boosts your mood and mental wellbeing. That’s because endorphins (feel-good hormones) are released when you work out. Even simply walking can improve relaxation, ease anxiety and reduce the risk of depression. In as little as five minutes you’ll begin to feel the mood-boosting benefit. 

The effect is even greater when you work out with a group of people. Smiling alone can enhance endorphin production, so working out with friends maximizes the mood boost. A study in the International Journal of Stress Management also found that working out with a friend makes a person feel calmer. 

When you feel healthier and are happier with the way you look, confidence comes naturally. Feeling confident is much more important in our daily lives than you may realize. 

People who have a healthy sense of confidence in themselves make a better impression on others. Research has proven confident people are rated as being more attractive, which can help you find a romantic partner and improve your odds of a lasting relationship. Confidence also increases the likelihood you’ll get promotions at work. In general, confidence increase your overall success potential.  

Strength and endurance come with regular workouts, but the grace and flexibility you gain are equally important. By dynamically moving and using our bodies, we improve joint stability and gain better control. More control means you are more stable on your feet and less likely to have spills or falls.

While this may not seem like a big deal to many people, it’s huge for people over 65 years old. Falls are the number one cause of injury and death among the elderly. A number of factors are at play, and reduced coordination and flexibility are among them. 

When you flex your muscles you’re also giving your brain a workout. Neurologists have discovered that the increased blood flow and release of numerous hormones from exercise are good for brain health. The hippocampus, a section of the brain play regulates memory, can actually grow in size with regular exercise. 

There’s also evidence that exercise protects against brain diseases. More research is needed, but some studies have linked regular physical activity with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's.

If you’re struggling to get through the day and feel drained of energy it’s time to start working out. While being more physically active may seem counterproductive, it’s actually the best remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as well as fatigue caused by illness. Medical studies involving people with CFS found that exercise was more beneficial than relaxation techniques and stretching. 

There are an overwhelming number of reasons to make exercise a part of your regular routine. No matter what your motivation is the most important thing is that you get moving and make it a lifelong habit.