Why should I exercise?

There are so many reasons to exercise, so many benefits of exercising, that entire books could be written on the topic. As I am sure many of you have noticed, there have been hundreds of books on the benefits of exercising. You hear about them and read about them and are told about them almost everyday. The benefits are discussed on television, radio, newspaper and magazines. The list of benefits below is by no means all-inclusive and the order I have listed the benefits of exercise is not in order of importance. Certain benefits are more important to some people than to others. Everyone exercises for different reasons. The main thing to remember is that the reasons you exercise are not right or wrong or even important. You are not judged for the reasons you exercise and no one besides yourself needs to know the reasons. The only thing that is important is the fact you are exercising or beginning to exercise. Whatever motivates you to exercise is a good reason. Look through this list and see how many of these benefits sound attractive to you. If you can find even one benefit on this list, you have enough reason to begin an exercise program and begin taking steps to take care of your health. 

Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors:

Regular physical exercise can: 

• Help you lose weight, especially fat weight. 
• Improve your bodies ability to maximally uptake oxygen and deliver oxygen to your working muscles (defined as your VO2 Max). This measure is generally regarded as the best measure of your physical fitness level. 
• Lower your resting heart rate, by allowing your heart to pump more blood per beat. This means your heart is not working as hard when you are at rest. 
• Lower or help control your blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure-hypertension. 
• Lower your Body Mass Index (BMI). This is the ratio of body weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters). Increased BMI is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. 
• Reduce total cholesterol. This includes lowering LDL-the bad type of cholesterol, and increasing HDL-the good type of cholesterol. 
• Reduce circulating levels of triglycerides. This is the amount of free fatty acid found in the blood. 
• Improves the functioning of your immune system. 
• Reduce the risk of heart disease. 
• Increases insulin sensitivity to prevent against type II diabetes (adult onset diabetes). 
• Reduce the risk of having a stroke. 

Benefits of Exercise for the Aging Process and Functional Capacity 

Regular physical exercise can: 

• Increase your level of muscular strength. 
• Increase your stamina and ability to do continuous work. 
• Increase or maintain your bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis. 
• Increase muscular endurance. 
• Help you maintain your resting metabolic rate to prevent weight gain. 
• Provide protection against injury. 
• Maintain or improve joint integrity. 
• Help you to maintain an independent lifestyle. 
• Improves your balance and coordination. 
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. 
• Reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. 

Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health and Well-Being 

• Regular physical exercise can: 
• Reduce your level of anxiety. 
• Help you manage stress more effectively. 
• Improve your positive self-esteem and confidence. 
• Help alleviate depression. 
• Improve your appearance. 
• Help you relax. 
• Combat the likelihood of many degenerative problems. 
• Improve your overall quality of life. 
• Teach you about goal-setting and dedication. 
• Can assists in efforts to stop smoking. 
• Help to relieve and prevent migraine headache attacks. 
• Can help you sleep more restfully. 
• Help improve your immune system. 
  
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(Disclaimer: The information provided by this service is intended to serve as recommendations for people who desire to learn more about health, fitness, and taking care of their bodies. Before beginning any exercise program, always consult your doctor to make sure you are able to begin exercising. Certain disabilities or conditions may contraindicate some activities, so be sure to clear yourself with your doctor)