25 reasons to Exercise

1. Improves cardio vascular Endurance - Cardiovascular training done on a regular basis helps to improve your breathing capacity & makes you feel more energetic.

2. Strengthens the Heart- Cardio vascular training develops your body's hardest working muscle, the heart and keeps blood circulating properly.

3. Increases your stamina and ability to do continuous work- Increase in stamina gives you more energy to meet the demands of daily life, and provides you with a reserve to meet the demands of unexpected emergencies.
4. Reduces stress - The natural endorphins that your body naturally releases with mid to high cardiovascular activity helps you approach and deal with stress confidently and consciously. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress. This is a combined result of the benefits of cleansing, reflection, and a physical outlet for frustration.

5. Makes your brain function better - including your memory- Regular workouts enhances blood circulation, facilitating all of your internal organs to function at their best. When you train, you are not only strengthening your external muscles but also the internal ones which support the vital organs.

6. Improves Strength - Weight training improves strength of muscles. Improves muscle mass and connective tissue. Helps in toning and firming the muscles.

7. Improves intra-muscular coordination - As one continues to weight train it improves the capacity to recruit the muscle fibres more efficiently. This, in turn, results in an improvement in coordination, which translates into more efficient movement patterns.

8. Increases your metabolism - Metabolism is the rate at which the Body burns fat. Even when you are resting, your muscles burn calories throughout the day and night. This is in direct contrast to a pound of fat which burns barely any calories at all. Want an efficient metabolism that burns off excess calories - then gain more muscle!

9. Strengthens your bones- Increases bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis. Strength training increases bone density and builds strong joints and supporting tissue. As we age our joints and bones can become weak and brittle. This trend begins normally when we reach age 45 and is of specific concern during the post menopausal years.

10. Provides protection against injury - Some of the common injuries sportspersons suffer from are Achilles tendonitis, back pain, calf strain, compartment syndrome, groin pull, hamstring injuries, iliotibial band syndrome, shin splints, plantar fasciitis... and the list goes on. A properly organized strength-training regimen can decrease the risk, and the severity of running injuries.
11. Helps you sleep better & alleviates depression - You will have a more peaceful and restful sleep after a good workout. Consequently, this makes rising in the morning much easier.

12. Improves Self-Confidence - Raises your self-confidence and body language. Improves self-esteem. Greater self confidence drives success, so its value can't be underestimated. Exercise and fitness are an enormous part of reaching your potential.

13. Slows down the aging process - When you choose to exercise, you're making an investment, not just in your present physical appearance, but in the rest of your life. People who exercise regularly live longer and stay healthier into old age. If not for yourself, consider the family members that love and depend on you.

14. Improves your posture - Regular strength training using correct technique and form will help you stand taller, sit straighter and protect your back from injury. Remember your spinal cord houses the network of nerves for your entire body. It is a wise investment to keep your back strong and healthy through resistance training. The muscles give a greater support to the skeletal system

15. Testosterone - This one is mostly for the gents (sorry ladies) and it applies to weight training. When you lift weights and gradually increase the level of resistance, your muscles produce testosterone. This gives you the energy, stamina, and aggressiveness you need to take on the world.

16. Reduces Cholesterol- Regular exercise increases HDL-cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol), and decreases bad cholesterol (LDL).

17. Enhances sexual desire and performance - Strong well co-ordinated muscles, cardio vascular endurance and good flexibility enhances your looks, drives your partner wild with desire and gives you the edge for a good performance.

18. Improves function of the immune system - Increases efficiency of blood and circulation system. Helps fighting against degenerative diseases like Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes.
19. Improves the likelihood of survival from a myocardial infarction (heart attack) - through improved functioning of the heart.

20. Lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure- Reduces the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). Decreases (by 20 to 30 percent) the need for antihypertensive medication if you are hypertensive.
21. Increases stroke volume (the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat) - Increases your maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max--perhaps the best measure of your physical working capacity).

22. Improves joint flexibility- Using weights helps to fortify the joints and tissues that support them increasing the flexibility.

23. Reflection - Exercise is a time to let your mind unwind while your body does the work. Strangely, when you stop actively trying to solve a mental challenge, the solution often pops into your head. Exercise is an opportunity for your subconscious mind to put together the pieces. Using exercise as a chance to spend time with friends and family, playing a sport or game, striving to achieve new personal bests, week after week.
It enhances mood levels and calms 'reacting' impulses - naturally and instantly. It makes working with challenging people and situations much easier.

24. Cleansing - Water is a by-product of exercise. When you sweat through exercises it removes toxins and helps you feel more fresh and rejuvenated.

25. Helps you lose weight, especially fat- Improves your body's ability to use fat for energy during physical activity which lowers your fat percentage and indirectly improves your physical appearance.