20 Reasons to Exercise

Working out burns lots of calories and raises your metabolism so your body naturally begins to consume calories at a higher rate than a sedentary person even when you're not exercising. Bottom line: You can control your weight without starving yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet (including the occasional chocolate sundae) if you incorporate an equally healthy weight loss exercise program into your weekly schedule.

By working out, you're losing fat and gaining muscle. Regular exercisers often have body fat levels at least 5% lower than the average person. You'll probably go down a clothing size or two, because muscle, though heavier than fat, takes up less space.

By setting an exercise goal, however modest, and progressing toward it, you become more self-assured. As you begin to feel and look fitter and healthier, you gain confidence.

Working out can raise your VO2 max (the amount of oxygen your muscles can use) by up to 40%. That means you have more energy and everyday tasks become easier.

Feeling tense? Overwhelmed? Unappreciated? Taking regular exercise breaks, as short as 30 minutes a day, can refresh and relax you. Use the time to calm yourself, regain perspective on what's important, or even figure out a solution to a problem.

Aside from weight loss, improved body shape, and better mood, here are 20 more reasons to exercise:

1. To increase your endurance

2. To make you less susceptible to disease

3. To strengthen your heart muscles

4. To improve your complexion

5. To reduce tension and enable you to handle stress more effectively

6. To help you lose weight and keep it off

7. To improve your circulation

8. To lift your spirits

9. To improve your sleep

10. To clear your mind and make you more alert by stepping up the flow of blood to the brain

11. To relieve depression

12. To elevate beta-endorphin levels in your blood, which helps to relieve pain

13. To cause your nervous system to function more efficiently

14. To increase self-esteem, confidence, and a feeling of self-worth

15. To ease your heart's work load by causing your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently

16. To relieve menopausal symptoms

17. To relieve tension headaches

18. To ease back problems by strengthening stomach muscles as well as muscles of the lower back

19. To reduce neck and shoulder pain

20. To purify your blood by increasing the oxygenation level and elimination of waste products