Get Fit for Fun!

Almost everyone knows that exercise will help us live longer, healthier lives, but even these benefits aren’t enough to move some people to get physically fit. As exercise holdouts see it, life is short so why waste it doing something you hate?  The very thought of being able to drag themselves to the gym at the age of 90 makes these confirmed pleasure-lovers want to lie down on the couch with a Twinkie. But the fact is, the results of exercise include many benefits that even the eat-drink-and-be-merry crowd will find appealing. Living It Up—You may intend to maintain a fun-filled social schedule throughout your life, but if you persist in a sedentary lifestyle you’ll probably end up too tired to get up from your easy chair. Forget about dance clubs or even late night TV—you won’t have much time for an enjoyable evening when your bedtime is 9 o’ clock. Exercise boosts energy levels by enabling our bodies to metabolize glucose more efficiently, building muscle, and promoting restful sleep. So whether you'd rather dance till dawn or stay up all night surfing the Web, a few hours of exercise a week will help keep you fit for a lifetime of pleasure. No More Dieting—A regular exercise routine is the answer to the creeping weight gain that begins in early adulthood. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training is the most efficient approach to raising your baseline metabolism. Once you’re fit, the number of calories you burn increases—even when you’re taking a nap. Being Happy—Research results published in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine have shown exercising 3 to 5 days is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. Exercise is also a great stress reliever. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Association recommends exercising for 15 to 30 minutes, three to four times per week as a way to reduce the harmful effects of stress on our bodies. Even if you’re not worried about your heart or your blood pressure, exercise can make your life more enjoyable by lightening your load of anger, tension, anxiety, and frustration. Looking Good—The sooner you start exercising, the longer the reflection you see in the mirror will bring a smile to your face. Exercise not only slims and tones your body, but also plays a vital role in maintaining smooth, youthful skin by optimizing the conditions for collagen renewal.