The Benefits of Exercise

For every friend of mine who hits the streets at 6am to get her run in, goes after work to do his weight routine, or enters walk-a-thons to keep fit, I have at least 3 who think working out is either a) a waste of time or b) too much effort. It saddens me that while exercise has been touted as the only effective 'fountain of youth', so many people think it's simply not worth it. Or, worse yet, they realize its value but don't want to invest the time, energy or resources to start a regular exercise program.

If you are one of those who don't think it's worth it or don't want to invest the energy, it's time to change your attitude! Exercise is great for you! Exercise will revive you, relieve stress, make you happier (because you'll look so great) and make you healthier. Need more reasons to commit to that exercise program? Here are some very real, very tangible results you will achieve from exercise:

1. Decreased Stress

You know that feeling you get when the week has been too long, your husband (or wife) has been too annoying or your home team has lost one too many a game? When you feel like just one more thing might push you over the edge? That's called stress and it's a very, very bad thing. Stress causes a whole host of other very bad things to happen like heart disease, increased weight and can even lead to an early death. That's why exercise is so important. Exercise can decrease the amount of mental and physical stress you feel by acting as an outlet for all that bottled-up frustration. Your body tends to store up stress (which is usually expressed through things like over-eating and addictive behavior) and it would like nothing more than dumping that load and getting to a better place. As does your mind. The more negative thinking and day-to-day frustrations you encounter, the more stress your mind will feel, which could lead to you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or even being depressed.

You don't want your body or your mind to feel any of those things and exercise definitely leads to a lessening of stress, which will help you combat those things. Exercise leads to the release of chemicals in your brain that are designed to make you feel better - which will lead to you feeling more in control, less tense and less stressed out. Haven't started an exercise program yet? Get up a half hour earlier and walk around the block or go biking with your kids on the weekend. Your body will thank you.

2. Healthy (Happy) Heart

Being inactive can lead to heart disease, among other things. Exercise increases strengthens your heart and cardiovascular system. Shockingly, you're almost twice as likely to get heart disease if you live a sedentary life than if you exercise (even mild to moderately) on a regular basis. Get started on your program today! Don't be a victim of heart disease.

3. Better Memory

Exercise increases the blood flow throughout your body and one of the main recipients of that increased blood flow is your brain! One of the benefits of this increased blood flow is better memory, which leads to better retention of information, better recall and overall better brain functioning. So if you keep forgetting where you left your car keys, starting an exercise program will definitely work well for you.

4. Increased Bone Density

Many women are at risk for decreased bone density or osteoporosis as they become older. Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to fragile bones, making them easily breakable. Nobody wants that. Along with getting enough calcium and Vitamin D and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, doing weight-bearing exercises is one of the most effective ways of building stronger bones when you are younger and maintaining bone density as you age. So get out there and walk or run, starting using the weight machines at the gym or even do calisthenics at home. You will not only be building strong muscles, you will be building stronger bones.

5. Increased Discipline

One of the most underrated aspects of having a regular exercise program is that it helps you develop a disciplined life. Discipline is what gets you up in the morning, out in the middle of the day or out after dinner to do what's necessary to maintain your exercise program. And that discipline can easily be transferred to other areas of your life. Besides, with the reduced stress, healthier heart and stronger bones, you'll find you have more energy to do those other things that are important to you as well.

When beginning or maintaining an exercise program, it's important to remember not to do more than you're able. In other words, don't push yourself to conquer mountains until you've made it over a few hills. And don't try to lift 100 lbs until you're sure you can do 20, 25 or 50. Take your time, pace yourself and enjoy the benefits you will gain from a regular exercise regimen.

Good luck!