Ten Great Reasons to Exercise

1. You want to fight disease.
Exercise reduces your risk of a number of conditions, such as cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to name a few.

2. You want to lose weight and keep it off.
People who maintain weight loss work out regularly. They don't just exercise until they take off the excess weight, then go back to sitting on the couch. If you want a leaner, healthier body, then you must be active.

3. You want to look better.
Exercise doesn't just help you to lose weight, it firms your body, improves your posture and gives you a great looking body.

4. You're always sapped of energy.
Research has found that just one session of exercise can put you in a better mood for three to four hours at least. It is well documented that exercise helps fight depression, sometimes as effectively as medication.

5. You take too many sick days.
If you're looking for a way to boost your immune system then regular exercise is the key.

6.You have joint pain.
The right kind of exercise can reduce the pain of arthritis by strengthening the muscles around damaged joints.

7.You have a bad back.
We now know that in most cases the best thing for any kind of pain is to keep moving. Within limits, of course and with your doctor's advice.

8. You don't sleep well.
Even though exercise is energizing, it also wears you out. But eventually you'll feel more vibrant during the day and sleep like a baby at night.

9. You want to slow the effects of aging.
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight aging. Regular workouts reduce the loss of muscle and bone, and improve circulation. Physical activity seems to have a protective effect against dementia, and may help improve memory and other cognitive functions. A Harvard University researcher called exercise " Miracle-Gro for the brain."

10. You love your kids.
I think this is one of the best reasons to exercise. When you care about yourself - and exercising is a sign that you do - you are doing your kids a Hugh service by setting a good example. If you're active, there's a better chance that your kids will be active too. Besides, you're more likely to be around longer for them.

Well, if that doesn't convince you that exercise is great for you, I don't know what will.

To your fantastic health!

Joyce Hearn