Why Do We Exercise?

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.

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.

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