5 things you may not know about exercise

5. A moderate intensity, consistent exercise routine can boost your immune system and keep you healthier. During moderate exercise, immune cells course through the body rapidly and are better able to target and neutralize viruses and bacteria. The immune system generally returns to normal within a few hours after exercise, but a consistent routine will make these effects longer lasting. Intense endurance exercise tends to have the opposite effect- making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.

4. Exercise raises your metabolism for up to 36 hours after you finish. This means that for 36 hours after you finish your workout your body will be burning extra calories.

3. Exercise gets you high. During exercise the pituitary gland releases excessive amounts of endorphins- natural painkillers and mood elevators that have similar effects on the brain as opiates.

2. It actually makes you smarter. Lab tests have shown that exercise increased oxygen flow to the brain making it more efficient. On top of this, it has been shown to cause neurogenesis- the process where neurons are created. Until recently this was thought to stop after full brain development and be uncontrollable, but scientists have found that exercise causes the growth of new neurons in the brain. So in essence, exercise boosts memory and processing speed and actually gives you a smarter brain.

1. It increases sex drive. Tests have shown that exercise boosts your libido and increases blood flow to both male and female genitalia. This means higher sensation and stronger, larger erections.