Let’s face it, some days we just don’t feel like exercising. We are too busy, too stressed and too tired.Here’s a list of 13 top reasons to exercise. Pull out this list and read it when you’re having one of those days.1. Disease preventionExercise has been proven to reduce the risk of just about every single health problem known to man, from stroke to heart disease to cancer and osteoporosis. Exercise is also a great defense against type 2 diabetes, which is one of the most widely growing diseases of our time.2. Look your bestExercise firms the body, improves posture and even makes skin glow. Looking your best is a wonderful result of regular exercise.3. Lose weight and keep it offExercise burns fat and prevents future fat storage. For a thinner, healthier body, exercise is the answer.4. More energyAnyone who exercises regularly will tell you they are more energetic, less easily irritated and are more peaceful.5. More sleepExercise boosts energy levels, but also wears you out. It makes you feel more vibrant during the day and helps you sleep better at night.6. Slow the aging processExercise is one of the most effective ways to fight aging. When aging, the body loses muscle and bone, while the loss of both are drastically reduced with regular exercise. Exercise also helps reduce inflammation.7. Relieve back painIn most cases, the best thing for back pain is to move and strengthen those muscles. Consult your physician or physical therapist for guidance.8. Ease depressionExercise has been proven to reduce depression – sometimes even as effectively as medication. Just chalk this up to yet another amazing benefit to exercise.9. Reduce aches and painsExercise strengthens muscles around damaged joints, reducing joint pain and overall aches. Always consult your physician before starting an exercise program, especially if you have chronic joint pain.10. Stay mentally sharpExercise has been shown to improve memory and other cognitive functions. It also seems to have a protective effect against dementia. A Harvard University researcher called exercise “Miracle-Gro for the brain.”11. Enjoy your lifestyleWhatever it is that you love in life – your kids, travel, sports, fashion – it is all more enjoyable when experienced in a fit and healthy body. Exercise so that you are able to enjoy all the great things in life.12. Reduce sick daysPeople who exercise regularly are 50 percent less likely to miss work from illness. A regular exercise program reduces colds and upper respiratory infections.13. Boost confidenceBeing fit, feeling healthy and having energy are all building blocks to having great confidence. There is no better confidence booster than sticking with a regular exercise program.Regular exercise has many amazing benefits. Getting started on the exercise program can change your life forever. But remember to consult your physician before starting any new exercise program.RECIPE OF THE MONTHFavorite green beansGreen beans are low in calories and packed with vitamins and healthy fiber. This dish comes together quickly and the flavors are deliciously tangy.Servings: 2Ingredients:8 oz. fresh green beans2 teaspoons olive oil1 tablespoon Dijon mustard2 teaspoons brown rice vinegar3 tablespoons diced yellow oniondash of salt and pepperSteam the green beans until soft, yet still with a slight crunch. In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients. Add the green beans and toss together. Transfer beans to serving dish and enjoy.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 94 calories, 4g fat, 9.5g carbohydrate, 3.3g fiber, and 2g protein.David Corder NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
