Why Exercise? 20 Reasons!

[TammyNC]

In surfing the web this morning I ran across this on Bob Greene's website and thought I'd share it with you.

Why Exercise? 20 Reasons!

Tuesday, February 3, 2004 Posted: 5:13 EDT

by Michael Stefano
Special For eFitness

With all we now know about the benefits of exercise, it's hard to believe more Americans don't work out. It's the closest thing yet to the fountain of youth, and truly the ONLY way to change the appearance, shape, and strength of your body.

In addition, the health benefits associated with an intelligently orchestrated strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training program can add quality years to your life.

Everyone exercises for different reasons. But no matter your initial motivation, you still get ALL the benefits. Below is a list of 20 reasons why you should work out. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you'll have enough reason to begin an exercise program and take steps to take care of yourself.

Regular exercise can...

Help you lose weight, especially fat

Improve your physical appearance

Increase your level of muscular strength and endurance

Maintain your resting metabolic rate to prevent weight gain

Increase your stamina and ability to do continuous work

Improve fitness levels, or your body's ability to use oxygen

Provide protection against injury

Improve your balance and coordination

Increase bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis

Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure

Lower Body Mass Index (BMI) -- your fat-to-height ratio

Reduce triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL), raises good cholesterol (HDL)

Enhance sexual desire and performance

Reduce heart disease risk and stroke

Reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer

Increase insulin sensitivity -- prevents type 2 diabetes

Reduce your level of anxiety and help you manage stress

Improve function of the immune system

Improve your self-esteem and restore confidence

Help you sleep better, relax, and improve mood

 

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks Tammy.
I think sometimes we forget about the stress/mood aspects of exercising, and how a long walk or some time at the gym can enhance our outlook on life!

 

[MelanieC]

Thanks Tammy,
It's been a few weeks since I checked out his site, he has some great articles. Of those reasons, my favorite is : Help you sleep better, relax, and improve mood. All the other stuff is obvious, but sleeping, relaxing and improving your mood is a good reason!

 

[sueg]

This is not as important as the above mentioned reasons, but I feel that exercise has become a hobby. I research exercise options, look for new exercise tapes, discuss exercise with other like-minded folks. And now that I've lost some weight, I actually went out & purchased some nice exercise clothes, instead of the sweat stained big t-shirt and shapeless shorts that I used to wear.

 

[musicalSaranader]

Thanks Tammy! I've been going to the campus gym this semester, on a regular basis for the first time. Although it hasn't been long enough to make a physical difference yet, I can feel it comin'!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

That's a great list! Now there's really no more excuses!

 

[luvmydogs]

Thanks for the great post, Tammy! I've never been to B.G.'s site before, but I'm definitely going to check it out. Making exercise a daily part of my life has made such a big difference in so many of these areas. The results you get are definitely worth all the hard work you put in!

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks Tammy! I try to work out pretty much everyday. I do incorporate one rest day per week to give my body a break but I do feel so good after a work out. I can really feel it in my mood when I skip it.

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Thanks for posting this Tammy! Seeing all those reasons listed really makes it hit home how much exercising does to improve your health! In the month and a half that I've been doing my WATP tapes, I've already seen an improvement in my stamina and it's sooooo much easier to move! And the best part is, that I'm actually beginning to look forward to exercising! ((Whoops! Was that really me that said that? )