Why Should People Exercise: The Truth About Its Benefits to You Posted By : Marie-Claire Smith

December 2, 2009 – 4:31 pm

Exercise is one of those things we all just know we should be doing: growing up, our teachers, mothers, and even public service announcements on TV have been drilling into our heads the idea that we need to get out there and exercise. Trouble is: who has the time for it? And after all – why should we? What’s in it for us?

“Exercise” sounds like a have-to word instead of a want-to word. That’s why people who actually like to exercise tend to call it working out, playing or going to the gym. On the other hand, people who resist it call it exercise.

“Why should people exercise,” you ask? Here are 6 benefits of exercise you should know about:

1. Weight loss:

When many people think of exercise, the benefit of weight loss comes to mind first. And, without a doubt, if your weight-to-height ratio (or Body Mass Index/BMI), is too high you should consider exercise. But, do not rely too heavily on your BMI – it doesn’t apply for people who are particularly muscular.

2. Increase core muscle strength:

And this brings up a related point: as you begin to really get into exercising regularly, what becomes more important than just simply losing weight is increasing your core muscle strength. You may have heard of your body’s core muscle strength before. This is referring to the muscles in your torso, or the parts of your body that do not include your arms and legs. Strong, firm muscles in your body helps you to burn fat naturally – even when you are not working out.

3. Keeping your heart healthy:

Your heart is arguably your most important organ, next to maybe your brain. And, it is a hard worker! Every day, your heart pumps about 1,700 gallons (or 7,200 liters) of blood. That’s a lifetime amount of 37,230,000 gallons for the average 60 year old! Now, if you are needlessly making your heart work harder than it needs to because you are out of shape, you are on the road to health problems. But by regularly increasing and holding your heart rate at higher levels for sustained periods of 20 minutes or more, you are doing your heart a great service.

4. Making your brain happy:

Another great benefit of exercise: keeping you happy! That’s right – exercise helps your brain release pleasure chemicals called endorphins. And, the effect can last for hours after a workout. Bonus: most people who exercise actually notice a decrease in their need to snack, which is likely partly a result of releasing those endorphins into your system.

5. Looking your best:

One of the most obvious benefits of a strong exercise program is looking great. Anywhere you go in the world, people are attracted to those who have that sexy glow of someone who exercises regularly. Exercise can make you look more slender, toned, and even add a slight blush color to your skin. It also releases toxins from your body, giving you that healthy glow that you can’t fake. And, looking good helps with everything from finding a job to finding a hot mate!

6. It’s a lot of fun:

Finally, by switching your vocabulary from calling it exercise to calling it working out, getting physical, going to the gym (or whatever works for you), you can trick yourself into getting off your coach and into a fun exercise routine. Once you start, you will probably find don’t want to quit!

The benefits of exercise are many. Don’t just listen to what the public service messages or your third grade teacher had to say. Go out and try it for yourself.

Personal Fitness Coach