In this article we're going to focus on REASONS TO EXERCISE. Even though most of us know that regular exercise is "good for us", we may not be able to give the specific reasons WHY exercise is good for us.

First and foremost, before we start the list, let's just admit right up front that the main reason we exercise is to look better. Hey, there's no shame in that! Perhaps we want to look better for our spouse, or maybe we want to get into shape because we're looking for a spouse! Whatever the reason, our desire to look good is a major motivator.

Many of us want to look better.....for ourselves! When we engage in regular resistance and aerobic exercise, it changes our appearance for the better. Less fat, toned muscle, healthier skin, a bigger smile, and more "pep in our step" are all great reasons to exercise.

In addition to just looking better there are some real physical benefits to regular exercise!! So for those of us who are working out to just look great, consider these reasons to exercise a bonus:

* 1. Strengthens muscles
* 2. Strengthens bone
* 3. Strengthens ligaments
* 4. Strengthens tendons
* 5. Strengthens immune system
* 6. Improves muscle tone
* 7. Improves endurance
* 8. Improves strength
* 9. Improves self esteem
* 10. Improves confidence
* 11. Improves balance
* 12. Improves physical appearance
* 13. Improves physical performance
* 14. Improves glucose tolerance
* 15. Improves circulation
* 16. Improves memory
* 17. Lower risk of heart disease
* 18. Lower risk of diabetes
* 19. Lower risk of cancer
* 20. Lower blood pressure
* 21. Lower cholesterol
* 22. Lower risk of stroke
* 23. Lower risk of osteoporosis
* 24. Lower risk of osteoarthritis
* 25. Lower requirements for medication
* 26. Lower risk of injury
* 27. Lower bodyfat
* 28. Helps with sleep disorders
* 29. Reduces post-operative complications
* 30. Reduces frequency of illness
* 31. Prevent Alzheimer's disease
* 32. Prevents muscle loss
* 33. Increases metabolism
* 34. Eases symptoms of menopause
* 35. Healthier pregnancy
* 36. Fewer problems with childbirth
* 37. Reduces ovulation problems

Moderate weight loss - of fat, not muscle - and a healthy and active lifestyle (NOT dieting) have been found to lower health risks and medical problems in 90 percent of overweight patients. In addition to the exercise benefits listed above, fit people are eight times less likely to die from cancer than the unfit, and 53 percent less likely to die from other diseases. Fit people are also eight times less likely to die from heart disease.

So the next time we're tempted to just sit back and watch television instead of exercising, let's remember that there are a lot of reasons to drop the remote and get moving!

* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com.

* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

Tracie Johanson

* Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit letspickupthepace.com for more information.

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* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.