Some research suggests it only takes 21 days to form a habit. Imagine implementing healthy exercise habits in your everyday routine. Okay NGL, it sounds daunting and pretty terrible. But, imagine setting aside at least thirty extra minutes a day to focus on YOU and your well being. Exercise could even improve your skin. The benefits are endless, but here are just a few:

1. Improvement of Gut Health...SAY WHAT?!

The human gastrointestinal tract contains a wide variety of bacteria and microorganisms, some good and some bad. The human microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes, including bacteria (both the good and the bad), that live in and on the human body. So, it makes sense that a healthy microbiome is key for immunity and the body’s overall health status. Recent studies suggest that exercise can increase the number of beneficial bacterial species in our gut. More good bacteria = less toxins from the bad bacteria = less inflammation throughout the body = happier skin = happier YOU.

2. Blood Flow Cleanse

Exercise induces blood flow… to the skin! More blood flow to skin cells means an increase in oxygen and nutrients to the cells. As skin cells become revitalized, cellular debris is flushed away. Talk about a simple skin hack, and this time from the inside out.

3. Sweat It Out!

If you’re working up a sweat during your workout, your skin can thank you. Let’s be real, sweating isn't always our idea of a good time, but there are benefits to sweating. Sweating on the face unclogs pores of dirt and debris. Just make sure to wash your face afterwards with a gentle cleanser so you don’t leave unwanted bacteria, and pore-clogging dirt and sweat hanging around. BUHHHBYEE clogged pores.

4. Reduces Stress Levels

Stress is the worst. As if having a million errands to run and responsibilities wasn’t bad enough, the harm stress causes to your body is just the cherry on top. Several studies have proven that acne severity is correlated with increasing stress levels. However, exercise is a great way to combat stress levels. Exercise increases the production of endorphins in the brain, which are chemical signals that are responsible for making us “feel good.” Basically, high endorphin levels are the key to feeling amazing! Who knew chemistry could actually be so cool? 

5. Increases Energy

Exercising regularly improves the efficiency of your cardiovascular system. As your cardiovascular system improves, tissues in your body have more oxygen and nutrients. More oxygen and nutrients increases muscle strength and endurance. Since your body won’t have to work as hard to carry out simple bodily functions, you will have more energy throughout the day to do everything you WANT to do.

6. AND…. It can be FUN?!

Do something that’s down your alley. There are so many different ways to exercise. Maybe you love to dance on the weeknds for a girls night out, so try taking a dance class. Or maybe you need some Zen in your life...or some more Zen people in your life (we could all benefit from some more positive and chill vibes) so try yoga. The options really are endless, and how cool would it be to take up a hobby and actually get good at it. Imagine that...