Are You Looking for Reason's to Exercise...Well, Here are 10!

I have definitely had ups and downs when it  comes to exercise.  This time last year I was training for my first marathon running up to 40 miles per week.  I realize now that this might have been a bit much for me. I tend to be very competitive with myself and after completing the Marathon, which was an incredible experience,  I was so burnt out I couldn't even think about running or exercise for that matter. Folks, that is not good. Exercise is meant to be fun and should make you feel good about yourself and your body.  If you are not enjoying your workout routine it is time to experiment with other forms of physical activity. Dancing including Hip Hop, Belly dancing,  Salsa classes, or just dancing at home to the music blasting,  are just a few I have dabbled with. Other possibilities are hiking, walking, biking, exercise classes like Pilates, Step classes or Spin.  Whatever gets you excited and moving is the point! Personally, I have been practicing yoga three times a week at a fantastic yoga studio which I will highlight in my next blog :) I have even began to reincorporate non-competitive running into my exercise routine and I am loving it. Practicing Yoga while  running (or any form of physical activity) is a great combination. Yoga enhances your performance by increasing your strength,  stamina and flexibility, not to mention that it also calms and relaxes nerves while teaching you how to be more aware of your breath and to be more present.  I would highly recommend yoga in addition to your current workout routine. 


Exercise may be the closest thing to the fountain of youth. Not only does regular activity strengthen your muscles and improve heart and lung function, but it can also reduce your risk of major diseases, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and even add years to your life. Studies show just 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is all that's required to reap big benefits. If you need more convincing as to why  incorporating a working out is so beneficial, I have included 10 reasons below:


Research suggests that workouts may do the following:

1.     Keep you young. Workouts such as brisk walking or cycling boost the amount of oxygen consumed during exercise. Improving your aerobic capacity by just 15 to 25 percent would be like shaving 10 to 20 years off your age. Aerobic exercise may also stimulate the growth of new brain cells in older adults.

2.     Reduce infections. Moderate workouts temporarily rev-up the immune system by increasing the aggressiveness or capacity of immune cells. That may explain why people who exercise catch fewer colds.

3.     Prevent heart attacks. Not only does exercise raise "good" HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure, but new research shows it reduces arterial inflammation, another risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

4.     Ease asthma. New evidence shows that upper-body and breathing exercises can reduce the need to use an inhaler in mild cases of asthma.

5.     Control blood sugar. Exercise helps maintain a healthy blood-sugar level by increasing the cells' sensitivity to insulin and by controlling weight. Regular brisk walking can significantly cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

6.     Protect against cancer. Exercise may reduce the risk of colon-cancer by speeding waste through the gut and lowering the insulin level. It may also protect against breast and prostate cancer by regulating hormone levels.

7.     Combat stress. Regular aerobic exercise lowers levels of stress hormones. For many people, exercise helps relieve depression as effectively as antidepressant medication.

8.     Relieve hot flashes. Increasing fitness by walking or practicing yoga enhances mood and reduces some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

9.     Protect men's health. Pelvic exercises help prevent erectile dysfunction and possibly benign prostate enlargement, a common cause of urinary problems.

10.  Prolong life. Studies lasting many years have consistently shown that being active cuts the risk of premature death by about 50 percent for men and women.

So give exercise a chance! Find physical activities that excite you and try new things.  After a bit of initial effort to  get into a routine,  you may start to notice that you crave a workout and won't be able to live without it. Your brain, as well as, your smaller waistline may thank you for it. Let me know what forms of exercise excite you...I would love to check it out and maybe feature it!