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Posted on Wed, Mar 23, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

Fit Mommy: 4 amazing benefits of exercise that start within 1 hour

By Eva Johnson

happywoman-flickr-patriziasoliani.jpg

Think about that workout — it will make you feel better (immediately!)

Photo by flickr user Patrizia Soliani

A recent issue of Fitness Magazine published a fantastic article about the immediate benefits of exercise. Did you know that within one hour of starting to workout you will experience health benefits?

Here are just a few:

1. A better immune system. Afraid of the cold and flu season that seems to just drag on? Well, I will advise you to not only get a flu shot, but to keep up with your exercise habit. Fitness magazine says that "exercise elevates your levels of immunoglobulins, which are proteins that help bolster your immune system and ward off infection." When you hit the gym, you are better protected against the "sicklies" for about 24 hours.

2. Lowered stress. Exercise produces the happy brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine for a couple of hours post-sweat. These chemicals will help to alleviate any kind of worry and stress in your life. In fact, this is exactly why I still make sure to work out before I start to clean the house. After I work out, I am much less worried about anything, including tidiness.

3. Higher calorie burn at rest. While you work out, you are obviously going to experience the most calorie burn, however, afterward, exercise speeds up your metabolism, so that you continue to burn a few more calories after you're done. In addition, as your muscles get stronger, they burn more calories at rest. Fitness Magazine says that strength training will turbocharge your calorie burn for up to 38 hours!

4. A feeling of accomplishment. You accomplished a workout and that is enough to make you feel great. It isn't easy to fit in exercise and many people don't even try. However, you did it: You beat the odds and are on your way to a healthier life. Congratulations, give yourself a pat on the back!

Yes, there is immediate gratification with exercise. Just because we can't drop a size in an hour doesn't mean that we can't feel fantastic with every stride or rep. Fit in a workout today and feel instantly better!

Eva Johnson is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer, who can attest to the immediate health benefits of fitness! She lives in chaos with her husband and two boys. To see her complete blog about how to stay sane and in shape in the real world, visit www.fitnessbyeva.com.