Why Should I Exercise?

Millions of Americans know the benefits of daily exercise, but how many people do you think talk themselves out of exercising every day?  The numbers are staggering and would frighten you.  There are SO many reasons to exercise.  Check out the following list and see if any of the reasons pertain to YOU!

1. You want to fight heart disease and diabetes. The National Health Institute reports that a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes by a whopping 58 percent!
   
   
2. You want to lose 20 pounds and keep them off.  People who move MORE than they sit can and do maintain weight loss.  If you want a healthier, thinner body, there is no substitute for being active.  No magic pills, no expensive shakes, no starvation and no surgeries … just exercise!
   
   
3. Mirror, mirror on the wall … If you want to look better in the mirror and have a firmer body, you have to sweat.  Exercise helps to improve body posture and gives your skin a healthy glow.
   
   
4. Tired all the time?  Exercise can actually help you feel better and give you more energy for 4-6 hours afterwards!  Exercise can combat depression and give you something to look forward.
   
   
5. Cough, cough.  If you take too many sick days and the boss is after you, you might want to take a look at your activity schedule.  A good fitness program is a great way to reduce colds and infections so you call in sick … less.
   
   
6. Knees hurt all the time?  The right kind of exercise can help reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain by strengthening the muscles around your damaged joints.
   
   
7. Back pain?  This one is pretty self-explanatory.  If you have an extra 25 or 50 pounds around your waist, your back is going to hurt.  Don’t avoid physical activity, just try walking every day for 30 minutes and drop some weight with your doctor’s blessing.
   
   
8. Counting sheep?  Even though exercise can be energizing, it is also a great way to make you tired so you sleep better at night.  Aim to move 10,000 steps a day and see if you sleep better!
   
   
9. Feeling old?  Exercise is a great way to combat the effects of aging.  Regular workouts drastically reduce muscle and bone loss and help improve circulation in the entire body.  Exercise can protect the brain against dementia and help improve memory function, so get out of the chair!
   
   
10. Got Kids?  If you have children or grandchildren, the number one thing you can do is take care of your body.  Set a good example, schedule routine checkups, eat right, drink more water, and exercise with your kids so you can be around longer for them.