Exercise is great, but if your main goal is to get a sleek, sexy body, you might be missing out on a lot of other amazing exercise benefits. Sure, a six pack is great, and so is an enviable bikini body, but exercise is so much more than what you look like on the outside. In fact, these five benefits of exercise improve the quality of your life, with or without the six pack.

Longevity

Do you want to enjoy a long and healthy life? This study found that “physical activity is associated with low mortality”, and the more physically active you are, the lower your risks for cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Better brain function

According to neuroscientist, Wendy Suzuki, exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your brain. That’s because it directly benefits brain regions involved with decision making, as well as forming and retaining memory.

Stronger mental health

Suzuki found in her research that exercise has “immediate effects on your brain”, since it raises dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline levels, helping to create a better mood very quickly and naturally.

Improved sleep

This 2011 study found that “regular physical activity may serve as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to improve sleep.” But more than that, physical activity left study participants feeling more alert and better able to focus thanks to exercise.

Enhanced daily activity

If exercise can enhance brain function, improve mood and help you sleep better, it goes without saying that exercise leads to overall better living. So, even the simplest daily activities can be more enjoyable and more doable thanks to the many benefits of exercise.