1. Gym Fan – the guy who always makes time for exercise. Gym Fan – the person who never misses a chance to get in shape. Are you a “Gym Fan”? You should be. It’s good for you. Exercise boosts your energy levels, enhances your mood, gives you a longer and more satisfying sex life, and it helps you lose and/or maintain your weight. Not only that, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and fitness. Plus, it’s fun. You’ll meet people of all ages and walks of life at the gym. There’s something exciting about going to a gym by yourself or with friends. Working out in groups encourages everyone to push themselves harder and stay motivated. Plus, there are classes (like Zumba) where you’ll get a great workout and learn a new skill at the same time. Here are seven reasons why you should make time for regular exercise:
2. It makes you feel good. Studies show that moderate exercise (like walking) boosts your energy level and decreases feelings of fatigue. Plus, working out increases your sense of well-being and contentment. Exercise is therapy for your soul!
3. It helps you lose weight. If you’re over 30 and overweight, you are putting yourself at risk for a host of health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. And, if you are in poor health already, being overweight seriously inhibits your ability to fight off illnesses and diseases. By working out on a regular basis, you will begin to lose weight and feel better… and this will enable you to lead a longer, healthier life.
4. It improves your sex life. Exercise not only helps you lose weight; it also has a positive effect on your sex life. In fact, one study showed that men who exercise regularly have more frequent and stronger orgasms. And the women (of course) experienced an increase in sexual desire and a decrease in vaginal dryness.
5. It enhances your mental and physical performance. A 2001 study at the University of Connecticut found that people who exercise at least three times per week have a 30% higher average I.Q. than those who do not exercise. Other studies have shown that aerobics classes provide the same mental stimulation as a 60-minute work session. In fact, a short, intense workout is even better for your brain than a long, less-intense one!
6. It gives you a longer, more satisfying life. As humans, we all experience fatigue from time to time. But if you get in the habit of working out on a regular basis, you will never again experience the kind of fatigue you feel after a long, hard day’s work. In fact, research shows that men who exercise on a regular basis have a 50% lower chance of being diagnosed with depression. And women who exercise on a regular basis have a 40% lower chance of being clinically depressed.
7. It makes you look and feel younger. Exercise helps your skin look healthier and less wrinkled. Plus, it decreases the appearance of “cellular aging” which causes your skin to lose its elasticity and look sagging and dull.
8. It lowers your risk of getting sick. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who exercise on a regular basis have a 23% lower risk of getting the flu… and a 37% lower risk of getting pneumonia. Other studies show that people who exercise on a regular basis have a significantly lower risk of getting heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. In fact, research has shown that people who exercise on a regular basis have a 40% lower risk of dying from any cause as opposed to people who do not exercise at all. So, are you a “Gym Fan”? If so, great! You’re one of the few who knows how important it is for his or her own good… and the good of the world in general. If you are not yet a “Gym Fan”, I ask only this of you: Give it your best shot. Just start slow. Walk for 20 minutes three times per week. And, if you are really serious about getting in shape and staying healthy, make it a habit to go to the gym at least four times per week.
