The number on the scale isn’t the only reason to exercise. If you are only exercising for weight loss, chances are you won’t stick with your workout regimen. I’m a personal trainer, and I always tell my clients that there are plenty of reasons to exercise, and your motivation shouldn’t be based only on what you weigh.

If you are really concerned about what you weigh then you need to look at what you do and don’t put in your mouth…75% of your results will come from the food you choose to eat and not eat.

Regular exercise is a big part of a healthy lifestyle and you should commit to it for a longer life. Here are a few more reasons to get moving:

1. Exercise provides a natural high.

The average north american spends $11,000 a year on stress reduction or fatigue prevention per year. This includes therapy, coffee, antidepressants, etc. Seems extreme when there is a much cheaper and longer lasting option out there. Exercise!

2. You’re sex hormones will thank you.

If you want to balance your hormones, then exercise, most specifically resistance training, should be your first step. You can improve insulin sensitivity (think weight loss and improved energy), increase testosterone (men: think improved muscle mass), decrease circulating estrogen (women: think reducing PMS and risk of breast cancer)

Be sure to work large muscle groups several days a week (squats, lunges, push-ups, bicep curls, etc.) if you want to increase the production of your sex hormones.

3. Exercise improves cognitive function and memory.

Put the Soduko away and start exercising! Studies have shown that exercise, especially when it is varied, is the best thing to stave off age related dementia and to stimulate brain growth and plasticity.

5. Exercise is a natural antidepressant.

Just going for a moderate walk for 30 minutes will help you battle the blues. Studies support the idea that being physically active should be a part of any depression treatment.

6. Being fit will boost your confidence.

When you exercise you feel better, you look better, you get stronger, you feel a sense of accomplishment, and that rush of endorphins has a ripple effect on everything you do. When you feel better, you feel empowered and more confident. Win-win!

7. Exercising regularly will make you feel more energetic.

Guess what can break the vicious cycle of exhaustion? Exercise. Stop whining, start moving, and you’ll immediately begin to feel that energy bump and get through the day with less fatigue.

8. An exercise regimen will help you sleep better.

You’ll sleep better when you’ve had a good workout, and physical activity helps keep your circadian rhythm on track. Try to plan your workout during the day and avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

9. Exercise relieves stress.

Exercising is one of the fastest ways to clear stress hormones out of your system. It will help you relax and calm down.

10. Your heart will thank you.

This one is a no brainer. Exercise gets your heart pumping and that is good for it!

11. You’ll look and feel younger.

The Fountain of Youth isn’t some magical water source; it’s exercise! When we exercise we infuse our bodies with better health, boost energy levels, feel better, and look better. We can’t stop the clock but we can slow it down.

12. Strengthens muscles and bones.

We reach our peak bone and muscle mass by the time we’re 30, and by our 40s we begin to lose it. With proper nutrition and regular exercise, specifically resistance training (lifting weights and/or body resistance training several days a week), we can slow and even reverse this process.

13. You’ll feel happier!

Better cardiovascular health? Check. Stronger muscles and bones? Check. More energy and confidence? Check. Better sex? Check. These are just a few of the important reasons to exercise, but feeling happier is one of my favorites. And all you have to do is get off of the couch and start moving.

You got this. Now get up and get to it!

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