20 REASONS TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT                     EXERCISE!                       

The weather’s getting colder, daylight hours are getting fewer and it’s harder to be motivated to exercise. If you find it difficult to get moving in winter, here are some reasons why you should stay active.

1. Your sleep will improve!

Regular exercise will help you fall asleep, stay asleep and will increase the amount of time you spend in the deepest stage of sleep. Exercise stresses the body so the brain compensates by increasing its time spent in deep sleep.

2. You’ll look younger!

According to American research, people who are athletic have more collagen in their skin than those who aren’t. The collagen helps to keep skin wrinkle free.

3. You’ll think more clearly!

Exercise speeds up the flow of blood to the brain and increases its intake of oxygen. This helps to sharpen your mind and improve your concentration.

4. Your heart will thank you!

Aerobic activity strengthens the heart muscle so it can work more efficiently. Exercise increases levels of HDL, the good cholesterol in your body which clears arteries, reducing the risk of a clot that can cause a heart attack.

5. Your boss will thank you!

British researchers have found that people who work out are more productive and manage their time better. They also tend to be better at resolving problems.

6. Your partner will thank you!

An American study into whether physical activity improves sexual performance showed interesting results. Women who exercised four or more times a week reported that the fitter they were, the more desirable they felt when it came to sex.

7. You’ll be happier!

Exercise stimulates the release of epinephrine, a hormone that makes you feel happy and excited. It also increases the body’s production of endorphins which create a sense of well-being.

8. You’ll be less likely to phone in sick!

Many large companies have started staff gyms after research showed active people have half as many sick days as their inactive workmates. Exercise boosts the immune system and releases antibodies that get rid of germs and viruses.

9. You’ll be less likely to get diabetes!

Getting your heart pumping is crucial to keeping diabetes at bay. Exercise burns up sugar (glucose) in your blood. High levels of blood sugar can lead to type-2 diabetes. Exercise also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps your cells use and store glucose.

10. You'll cut your chances of getting breast cancer!

Women who are active have a reduced risk of breast cancer because exercise boost the immune system and lowers level of the hormone estrogen. Activity can also improve your chances of surviving the disease. A Harvard University study found that patients who walked three to five hours a week were half as likely to die from the disease as women who didn't.

11. You can maintain a healthy weight!

Exercise, along with healthy eating, will help you shed unwanted kilos and to maintain a healthy weight once you reach it. Also, if you’re exercising regularly, you can eat a few more calories without worrying about gaining weight.

12. You’re less likely to have a bad back!
An inactive lifestyle has been pinpointed as one the main reasons for back pain. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles that support your back, making it less prone to injury.

13. Your bones will be stronger!
Weight-bearing exercise stimulates bones to increase their density, making them stronger and less susceptible to osteoporosis. Just 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise a week is enough to build and maintain bone density.

14. Your arteries will be healthier!
Chemicals secreted during exercise increase the size of your blood vessels so more blood can pass through. As a result, the lining of the arteries won’t suffer as much damage and you’ll be less prone to blockages that can cause heart attacks or strokes.

15. You’ll be less stressed!
Endorphins, released by the brain when you exercise, get rid of tension and can help you stay relaxed for up to three hours after exercise. Researchers have found that in some patients suffering anxiety or depression, physical activity can be as effective as medication.

16. You’ll have better eyesight!
The levels of blood pressure in the vessels that serve your eyes can affect your vision. High blood pressure can result in damage that causes diseases like glaucoma. Exercising for 30 minutes a day reduces eye pressure by 20 percent.

17. Your self-confidence will improve!
American researchers have found a link between improved fitness and self esteem. Being able to exercise regularly, and noticing the results, can help boost our confidence in ourselves and inspire us to try and change other aspects of our lives.

18. You’ll be more fertile!
Moderate exercise can reduce the effects of stress, which hampers the natural reproduction process. Exercise also helps you to lose weight that, in turn, can improve fertility. Being overweight can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, which can lead to problems conceiving.

19. Your joints will be healthier!
While excessive amounts of exercise can damage joints, regular moderate exercise can strengthen them. Studies show strength training can improve movement in arthritis sufferers while weight loss helps joints. Carrying excess weight is the main reason joints suffer wear and tear.

20. Your PMS won’t be so bad!
Studies show women who increase their aerobic activity notice a reduction in PMS symptoms, such as fluid retention and abdominal bloating. Women who exercise are also less likely to suffer depression. The release of endorphins and likelihood of weight loss may improve symptoms as excess body fat leads to higher levels of estrogen, which can make PMS worse.

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