Much like years prior, going to the gym more often, eating better and getting fit are some of the most popular New Year resolutions that Americans are setting for 2018.
And while the days in January are already ticking away... and you still haven't finalized that new spin class membership... there are a few benefits that should help you get motivated to move.
Namely, money.
Seriously. Besides looking and feeling better, research suggests that working out actually makes you a better employee. So if you need some motivation to get moving, here's some help.
We're breaking down five ways that working out can help you to get a rai$e in 2018:
1. Become a productivity powerhouse
Working out will help you get more done, even once you're outside of the gym.
We've got proof: British researchers studied 200 workers from different companies and found those who spent 30 to 60 minutes exercising at lunch reported a 15 percent performance spike. Even more, 60 percent reported improvement in their:
- Time management skills
- Mental performance
- Ability to meet deadlines
2. Clear your mental fog
Exercising two times a week may improve thinking ability and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment, as reported by the American Academy of Neurology reported. So, exercising actually clears the '2-o-clock feeling' and helps streamline productivity.
3. Get happy
Two-thirds of American employees feel disengaged at work, and 56 percent of employees told the Anxiety Disorders Association of America that stress makes their workplace performance suffer.
To combat this, a University of Turku study found that doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is usually capped at 30 minutes, releases feel-good endorphins in the brain that decrease pain and stress.
If you don’t have time for an hour-long run, consider squeezing in a shorter, more intense workouts to boost your mood and, in turn, the office productivity.
4. What's wrong with being confident?
A Finnish study found that men with the high levels of physical activity, cardio fitness and muscular strength worried about workplace stress way less than men who worked out less.
Those men in the study also reported being more energetic, capable and confident in their daily tasks.
5. Take fewer sick days
If you're feeling looking better, that will translate to your workplace engagement and attendance.
After all, the health benefits from exercise include a stronger immune system and decreased risk of various diseases, so you’re less likely to miss work.
So, clearly, there are a few extra reasons to hit the gym this New Year. All of a sudden we can sense a raise in your future -- can you? If not, hit the gym!