Spring is right around the corner and you have spent all winter on the couch and computer eating way to many greasy chips and sweets. You have packed on a few pounds and tell yourself, ” I will start exercising and watching what I eat tomorrow”

Tomorrow Tomorrow, this is not “Annie”, although the sun might come out tomorrow, those extra pounds will not magically become sunshine and butterflies. That magic pill you want to try will never be able to replace what good old fashion exercise and good nutrition will do for you. So back away from the potato chips and snake oil and do it the right way!

Weight loss is a great benefit and number one motivator for people to start exercising however it is not the ONLY benefit.

Top 10 Reasons To Exercise

• Exercise Boosts Brainpower-

  Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain, which leads to improved mental clarity. Serotonin levels are believed to be the reason for many cases of mild to moderate depression which can lead to symptoms like anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue.

• Movement Melts Away Stress-

  “Exercise produces a relaxation response that serves as a positive distraction,” says Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise.

• Exercise Gives You Energy –

  One of the biggest things I hear from people is “I have no energy”. I am too tired to work out. Well good news, working out releases endorphins into your blood stream giving you more energy. So the tired you feel from every day activities is not the same tired you experience from working out.

• You can fit Exercise Into Daily Routine-

  Another big excuse is, ” I just don’t have time” Recent U.S. government guidelines say that to lose weight and keep the weight off, you should accumulate at least 60 minutes of exercise a day
  More good news, By changing up a few things in your everyday life you can fit it in. Schedule meetings and visits at the track or golf course. Make the most of family time by playing hide and seek, going for a bike ride, taking a hike, or go swimming. Your kids will benefit from not only family time but get exercise as well.

• Exercise gives you Peak Performance-

  Consistent exercise improves flexibility, muscle strength, improved balance and reaction time. People who work out notice that their cloths fit better, their arms look better, and have better body tone

• Exercise Helps Relationships-

  It is always more fun to work out with a partner, so grab your husband or a friend and go for a walk, meet for tennis or a bike ride. People who have exercise partners stay with their programs and reach their goals more often than those who try to go it alone.

• Exercise Helps Ward of Disease-

  Research has shown that exercise can slow or help prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis (bone loss), and loss of muscle mass, it can also boost immune function keeping you out of bed with the flu. Exercise can also good for the aging process( always check with a Doctor before starting your exercise program)

• Exercise Pumps Up The Heart-

  Exercise helps strengthen the heart making daily living easier. No more huffing and puffing to carry groceries in. Our heart is the biggest muscle in our bodies we need to protect it.

• Exercise Lets you Eat More-

  You can sneak that cookie every now and then in moderation because you are working out. Pound for pound, muscle burns more calories at rest than body fat. So the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate.

• Exercise, Not just for losing weight-

  Weight loss is the biggest reason people exercise, but is not the only benefit. People who start fitness programs that do not see rapid weight loss results tend to feel defeated and want to give up. Take notice of the things that exercise does for you rapidly like feeling better, more stamina, less stress, sense of accomplishment, better body tone and a healthier heart.

Exercise should be a part of your life no matter what your goals are or how you choose to do it.

Dump the chips and get moving, you only get one body treat it kindly.