Fitness - September 2011
Just in case you need a few reminders…
Written by Ilene Gershberg, ACSM
Sometimes we just need those occasional reminders to keep us on track. As a hard working professional, life balance can become extremely challenging. Next time you’re weighing the pros and cons of investing more time and effort into your health, consider these 25 reasons why when it comes to exercise, “the juice is worth the squeeze.”
#1 - Exercise improves quality of life.
#2 - Exercise decreases the incidence of heart attack, e.g., reduces “bad” (LDL)
cholesterol and increases “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
#3 - Exercise decreases the incidence of Type 2 diabetes.
#4 - Exercise improves circulation and oxygen/nutrient transport throughout the body.
#5 - Exercise helps lose weight and keep it off.
#6 - Exercise prevents certain types of cancer.
#7 - Exercise enhances self-image, as it strengthen & tones muscles, improving your
overall appearance.
#8 - Exercise helps prevent back pain, now affecting 80% of Americans.
#9 - Exercise improves posture.
#10 - Exercise strengthens bones and helps reduce risk of osteoporosis.
#11 - Exercise relieves stress, anxiety and depression.
#12 - Exercise strengthens the tissues around the joints and reduces joint discomfort
and arthritis if appropriate exercise is selected and properly performed.
#13 - Exercise decreases risk for several types of cancer.
#14 - Exercise can slow the aging process and may lengthen lifespan.
#15 - Exercise improves the quality of sleep
#16 - Exercise improves mental sharpness and largely cognitive function
#17 - Exercise improves immune function, which decreases risk for infectious diseases.
#18 - Exercise maintains physical and mental function throughout the second half of
life.
#19 - Exercise consistently boosts energy and increases daily productivity at work and
at home.
#20 - Exercise increases self-confidence and self-esteem.
#21 - Exercise increases resistance to fatigue.
#22 - Exercise reduces blood pressure.
#24 - Exercise helps create a positive attitude about life.
#25 – Exercise is transformational…truly powerful and life changing…you become
FIT and POWERFUL!
Any one of these reasons is enough to motivate me to get into the gym. I believe each is powerful enough in its own right. But combine all 25 reasons together and I hope that you are energized and inspired enough to begin the process to improve your own life with a ‘Fit Smart’ commitment to exercise daily.
Ilene Gershberg, ACSM, is a former BC executive that transformed from FAT to FIT. As a workplace wellness consultant and a member of the ational Speakers Association, Ilene keynotes at conferences nationwide, educating functional teams on enhanced vitality to maximize performance within the workplace. Visit www.IleneonHealth.com to register for Ilene’s free educational and empowering Health Smart e-Tips.