The positive impact of exercise on skin

Find Joy in Exercise for Better Skin Health and Overall Wellness

Have you ever noticed that when you love to do something, you don’t spend time trying to figure out how to fit it into your schedule? As Harvey MacKay, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, said, “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle is about figuring out what makes you happy. The problem is, we often forget to give ourselves permission to be joyful. We lose ourselves in advice and get confused about what really makes us feel good. Getting to know yourself is key to making exercise and movement a lifelong habit.

What Does It Mean to Find an Exercise You Enjoy?

Finding an exercise you love means you’re having fun while doing it! A helpful question to ask yourself is: “What type of fitness can I see myself doing for the rest of my life?” For some, the answer may come easily. For others, it may require creativity and self-reflection to discover the type of exercise that brings joy.

Overcoming Exercise Fears and Excuses

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Fear is a natural response, but it can also hold us back. Consider fears like:

  • “I’m afraid I can’t keep up.”
  • “I’m afraid I’ll make a fool of myself.”
  • “I don’t know how to use the machines, and I hate asking for help.”

Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. If you’re afraid you can’t keep up, start at your own pace. Many people believe gyms are filled with people who have perfect bodies, but the truth is, everyone is at the gym for the same reason—to improve their health and find balance.

For more helpful tips on improving your skin health, visit our Healthy Skin Tips page.

Regular Exercise and Skin Health

Exercise isn’t just great for your body, it can also help chronic skin issues. Regular movement can help reduce stress, which decreases the risk of problematic skin breakouts. Increased blood flow from exercise nourishes skin cells, removes waste products, and can lead to healthier, more vibrant skin.

For additional skin health tips, check out how eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies benefits your skin.

Exercise Has Many Other Benefits

  • Improves mood and boosts energy levels.
  • Helps you sleep faster and more soundly (just don’t exercise too close to bedtime).
  • Supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol.
  • Strengthens muscles and builds stronger bones.
  • Helps reduce anxiety and depression.

What’s Your Excuse?

If you find yourself making excuses not to exercise, it may mean you haven’t found the activity that brings you joy. Common excuses include:

  • “I’m too tired to exercise.”
  • “I don’t have time.”
  • “I’m too old, and I’m out of shape.”
  • “Exercise is boring.”

If exercise feels boring or exhausting, try activities that you genuinely enjoy. If you dislike the gym, try taking a walk in nature or join a group activity that excites you. Focus on finding joy, and the rest will follow.

The Bottom Line: Exercise and Skin Health

Exercise and movement play a key role in skin health and overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have health concerns or haven’t exercised in a while.

In health,
Coach Annie