Five More Great Reasons To Exercise

“The only way you can hurt the body is not use it. Inactivity
is the killer and, remember, it’s never too late."
 ~Jack LaLanne ~

In my last post, I shared some of the benefits of exercise as discussed in the latest issue of Runner's World. Today, I'd like to give you five more great reasons (as if you need more).

But first this. Yesterday, fitness guru, Jack Lalanne, passed on at the ripe old age of 96. He was an example of what fitness can do for you, and will be missed by me and many others.

Jack was a truly great man and big proponent of the benefits of exercise. It's a shame that so many young people only know him as an infomercial guy. He was so much more than that.

Knowing Jack, he'd definitely  approve of the information I am sharing with you here. So, with that said, here are five more really great reasons you should be exercising regularly.

1) Weight control - When you exercise, you burn calories. The more intense the exercise is, the more calories you'll burn, and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. And while a regular exercise routine is ideal, physical activity that you do throughout the day also helps you burn calories.

2) Mood management - Exercise stimulates brain chemicals to help you feel much happier and more relaxed than before you exercised. Regular exercise can also boost your confidence and self-esteem, and can even help prevent depression.

3) Lowers chance of chronic disease - Regular exercise can help you to prevent, or manage, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Regular physical activity can also help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

4) Increased sexual functioning - Regular exercise can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise.

5) Clearer thinking - Studies have shown that exercise has a variety of benefits on mental fitness. Findings, published in the psychological journal Acta Psychologica, show that various forms of exercise actually can help us to think more clearly.

Well, that's it for now. Until next time...

Keep reaching,
Jay

P.S. I'd love to get your thoughts. If you liked this post and are on FB, please click the "like" button to let others know, or take a quick moment and comment on it below. Thanks!

Comments

[Chick]

Great post Jay! These are all wonderful reasons why everyone should partake in some form of exercise. To many of us are living sedentary lives either due to sitting at desks for work or for entertainment with the internet or video games (guilty as charged). lol

[Jay Platt]

Thanks Chick! You're right. It does take more of an effort than ever before to get out and do something physical. But, it's well worth it.