The importance of a workout for fitness and health is not lost on any of us. When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, or just strengthening our bodies for the daily grind, it is essential to focus on fitness.

That said, doing things for the “right reasons” is not an incentive for everyone. Knowing that we should do something, does not always translate into actually doing it – or doing it with any enthusiasm. We know that we should eat right but that alone is sometimes not enough. Let’s face it: advertisers know that. That’s why so many tempting foods are advertised as “guilty pleasures”.

So wrong, but so right…

So to strengthen the incentive, is it perhaps a good idea to sometimes we a little less noble? A little more… shallow? This bears some thinking about. Does it matter why you do the right thing, if you still end up doing the right thing? In other words, if you don’t feel motivated to work out for fitness and health alone, why not work out for beauty? It’s not like it’s a bad thing, after all.

In any case, once you start doing something and get into a pattern, you see the benefits beyond what first convinced you to begin. So if you want to look better, here are some workout tips that will also have you feeling and looking better.

Can Your Workout Improve Your Skin?

Now, it is worth noting that working out with a full face of makeup on will diminish any benefits to beauty you get. In fact, you should cleanse your face before working out for maximum benefit. But yes, your workout can be a pivotal part of good skincare.

In exercising, you better regulate production of cortisol – the body’s stress hormone. Too much cortisol causes the skin to age, thinning and encouraging blemishes. Not to mention that the best workout supplements have benefits for the skin. As AlgaeCal reviews point out, the supplement provides calcium, which aids healthy skin and regeneration. Remember: always check with a doctor before starting any supplements.

So the more you work out and supplement yourself to do so, the less cortisol in your system – and that means your skin will be better than ever.

Can Your Workout Help Your Hair?

What can exercise do for your locks?

You will no doubt be picturing a line of people on treadmills, red faced and sweaty. How, you might be wondering, could this ever be good for your hair? Especially as you’ll shower afterwards, and doesn’t that strip the hair of its natural oils?

Studies show that, in fact, a vigorous workout can be one of the best things you do for your crowning glory. Far from making hair dirtier for no reason, intense cardio releases toxins. This benefits the release of purer, healthier sebum on the scalp – an oil that stops hair becoming dry and lifeless. As another benefit, exercise stimulates blood flow which can increase the speed at which your hair grows.

And Another Thing…

Beauty is more than skin deep. We all know how exercise can help the skin and hair now, but it’s fair to say that everyone looks better when they’re smiling. And there, again, exercise has you covered. By working out, you will release endorphins, your body’s natural “happiness hormone”.

Just one note of caution. Studies have shown that too much endurance exercise can be bad for your teeth. Avoid sugary energy drinks (just avoid them anyway – they’re not good for you in any way, shape or form) and when working out, try to limit how much you breathe through your mouth. Mouth breathing can dry your palate, which harms teeth, and as a double-protection you should gently brush your teeth after any gym session.