You know that working out is good for your health, but if you’re like most people, it can be difficult to fit regular workouts into your busy schedule. Instead of making excuses, check out these health benefits that just might motivate you to squeeze a few more workouts into your routine.

• It regulates your weight. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but managing your weight is important for reasons far beyond your looks. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps to prevent chronic illness and help keep you feeling energized.
• It improves your mood. If your stationary lifestyle makes you feel sluggish and depressed, take a walk outside in the sunshine or hop on your bike for a ride around town. Even gentle physical activity stimulates the feel-good chemicals in your brain and helps boost your self-esteem.
• It combats existing health conditions. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes (or you’re just worried about getting them), regular exercise boosts your production of “good” cholesterol and decreases your production of harmful triglycerides.
• It prevents against cancer. That’s right: regular workouts have been proven to prevent against certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and certain types of lung cancer.

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity [Mayo Clinic]
The Benefits of Physical Activity [Harvard]
Chapter 2: Physical Activity Has Many Health Benefits [Health.gov]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr wwarby

Inversion Coffee House drew its name from Houston’s famous Inversion House, which was created by the Art League of Houston in 2005. The temporary art installation featured a 30-foot opening in the side of the building’s exterior, with whitewashed wood arranged in a tornado shape that looked like the building was swallowing itself whole.

Although the art piece has since been demolished, Inversion Coffee House preserves its memory through its name, as well as by displaying many art pieces inside. The interior is cozy yet industrial, with rustic wood, exposed metal ductwork, and lots of eclectic seating options. There is even a beautiful patio area outside where guests can enjoy their coffee on sunny days.

The menu includes premium brews, handcrafted lattes with no shortage of foam art, and unique drinks like green tea lattes. Doughnuts and pastries pair perfectly with a hot drink, and the friendly atmosphere is likely to make you want to come back for more.

Inversion Coffee House
1953 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-4866
www.inversioncoffeehouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/inversion-coffee-house-houston-3

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Sharon & Nikki McCutcheon

Whether you’re a freelancer, student, or a social media buff, you'd probably enjoy a bit of free Wi-Fi to go with your coffee. Lucky for you, many of Houston’s best coffee shops are equipped with high speed Internet for all of your browsing needs. Here are just two of the most tech-savvy cafes in the Houston area.

Agora
With an interior this stunning, it’s easy to find inspiration at Agora. This stylish cafe features dramatic high ceilings, exposed beams, and an open second story with ample tables for working or studying. The free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, and the selection of high quality coffees and espresso drinks will provide you with a boost of caffeine. Grab a freshly baked croissant or pastry to go with the Texan pecan brewed coffee, or if you’re feeling a bit stressed, you can even sample a beer from the great selection of craft brews while working. Hey, no judgment here.
1712 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098; (713) 526-7212

Antidote
Antidote is one of the most popular coffee shops in town, and it’s open late to tailor to Houston’s community of night owls. The coffee is strong, bold and, best of all, bottomless, which provides hours of fuel to meet that tight deadline. Inside, Antidote features comfortable chairs and cozy cafe tables where guests can take full advantage of the free Wi-Fi throughout.
729 Studewood St., Houston, TX 77007; (713) 861-7400

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Dominic Alves