How to Find the Top 10 Reasons to Exercise

If you struggle to find the motivation to stick to a workout routine, a list of the top ten reasons to exercise may be useful. Post the list on the mirror in your bathroom or in another highly visible spot within your home to give you the incentive you need to keep striving towards your fitness goals.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Exercise gives you a boost in confidence and self-esteem. Many people begin a workout program with the simple goal of losing weight. While it's true weight loss can boost your self-esteem, the act of pushing your body to reach new goals can be a confidence booster as well. Whether you're mastering a tricky yoga pose or running a mile for the first time since high school, exercise gives you pride in all your body can accomplish.

2. Forget the dumb jock stereotype; studies have shown regular exercise can actually boost your brain power. There is now even growing evidence to suggest working out can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other mental disorders.

3. In many cases, physical exercise can enhance creative thinking. Whether you enjoy painting, sculpting, writing, or playing music, you might find new ideas come much easier after a good workout.

4. Could your love life use a boost? Regular exercise has been shown to enhance sexual performance, satisfaction, and desire.

5. Exercise is a positive way to relieve stress, unlike smoking, drinking, or spending hours in front of the television. After a bad day at work, take your frustrations out on the treadmill!

6. Do you always feel tired during the day? Working out is a great way to boost your energy. While caffeine and sugary snacks can give you a temporary boost, exercise gives you the stamina to keep going all day long.

7. Regular workouts give you a stronger immune system, meaning you'll deal with fewer illnesses throughout the year. Over the long term, reasons to exercise also include lower blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol levels, and a lower heart rate.

8. If you do become seriously ill, exercise increases your body's ability to recover. For example, regular workouts help speed recovery from chemotherapy treatments and improve a person's odds of surviving a heart attack.

9. People who exercise regularly have fewer problems with insomnia. If you struggle to get a good night's sleep, exercise is a better solution than over the counter sleep aids.

10. Playing a sport together can be a wonderful opportunity to socialize with friends and family members. If you're on a budget, keep in mind that working out is also a fairly inexpensive recreational activity.

[gahazeleyes]

on 6/8/2009 Very good article. Thanks for sharing.