Beyond strengthening the heart, muscles, bones, and brain – even reducing the risk of certain cancers – exercise has yet another superpower: it acts as a “health magnet,” naturally attracting other healthy behaviors. Explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and how employers can leverage the effect to help all employees achieve optimal health. 

Exercise:  A “Keystone Habit” that Sparks Change

Journalist Charles Duhigg coined the term “keystone habit” to describe small changes that can potentially transform a person’s life, mindset, and overall well-being. These habits may seem simple, but they often have far-reaching effects. 

Exercise is a prime example. While it may not directly cause other changes, it often sets off a chain reaction that helps other good habits take hold. 

One Good Thing Leads to Another

The idea that exercise acts as a health magnet is backed by both anecdotal evidence and scientific research. From healthier eating and better sleep to reduced stress and improved mood, regular physical activity can be a catalyst for broader lifestyle improvements. 

Movement’s Connection to Better Nutrition

One of the most noticeable ripple effects of exercise is better eating habits. One study found that after starting an exercise routine, individuals naturally gravitated towards healthier foods, eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while cutting back on fried foods, soda, and snacks. Even more interesting, the longer and more vigorously they exercised, the more their diets improved. Other research supports this trend, showing that regular exercisers eat more fruits and vegetables. 

Even better, exercise and nutrition tend to reinforce each other.  Physical activity often leads to better eating habits, and in turn, healthier eating habits increase the likelihood of sticking with an exercise routine. 

Exercise: A Magnet for Better Sleep

Many employees aren’t getting the sleep they need, which is affecting productivity and mental health. The good news is that regular physical activity can help. People who exercise tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.  

Better sleep, in turn, can sharpen mental focus, boost energy, and increase motivation to stay active. This cycle, where one healthy habit supports another, is at the core of exercise’s health magnet effect. 

Exercise’s Power to Attract Calm and Joy

Exercise can profoundly impact mental health, with both immediate and long-term benefits. It acts as a natural antidepressant, triggering the release of mood-boosting brain chemicals that promote happiness, relaxation, and reduced anxiety. It’s even been called meditation in motion, helping to quiet the mind through focused movement and breath.

Even short bursts of brisk walking can sharpen mental alertness, increase energy, and lift mood. Over time, regular physical activity helps build emotional resilience, improve self-esteem, and lower stress.

How the Health Magnet Effect Works 

Exercise sets off a chain reaction of positive change. Here’s why:

• Increased awareness and value of health: As people begin to feel the benefits of movement—more energy, less stress, a better mood—they often become more attuned to their bodies and more likely to adopt other healthy habits to maintain those good feelings.
• Improved motivation: Reaching even small fitness goals can boost confidence and reinforce the belief that even bigger changes are possible. This self-efficacy often extends beyond fitness to other areas of health. 
• Breaking unhealthy habits: The structure and discipline of regular exercise can help disrupt less healthy routines, such as excessive screen time.
• Social influence: People who exercise are more likely to spend time with others who also prioritize wellness, which can further reinforce positive behaviors.

Aaptiv: A Health Magnet for Every Employee

Even if employees are new to exercising, Aaptiv’s AI-powered fitness app makes it easy for them to get started. With personalized programs designed especially for beginners, plus motivating audio and video coaching, Aaptiv helps all employees build routines that evolve with them.

Exercise is more than a single healthy behavior; it can be a spark that ignites many others. For employers, investing in fitness benefits isn’t just about helping employees move more – it’s about helping them attract even more behaviors for better overall health.

Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.