Reasons to Work Out Longer

by Jenny Sugar 1

Nothing compares to the elation of getting to the end of a good workout, but here are five reasons to delay that amazing feeling for five more minutes.

1. Burn more: If losing weight is your goal, you're all about burning as many calories as you can. Tack on five extra minutes to your workout and you'll burn 25-50 more calories.
2. The time adds up: Going five minutes longer for the five workouts you do this week means you worked out for an extra 25 minutes — that's practically one whole workout's worth. If you have an upcoming wedding or vacation where you need to rock your bikini, this can help you reach your weight-loss or fitness goals faster.
3. Build your endurance: The more you work out, the stronger your muscles become, so the next time you get your sweat on, it'll feel that much easier.
4. For your metabolism: That extra time spent building your muscles also increases your metabolism because lean muscle burns calories.
5. Stress relief: Exercising releases endorphins, so running, biking, or swimming an extra five minutes means more feel-good hormones are released, which relieves stress and tension and keeps your happy, happy.
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