Okay, so we all know that exercise is good for us and being a lazy couch
potato is bad. We also know that regular exercise helps us blast fat and
maintain a healthy body weight. However, there are numerous lesser-known
health benefits to regular exercise — from increased sex drive to better
digestion and sleep habits! And the benefits affect all of you, regardless
of age, sex, weight or physical ability.

Following is a short list of ways exercise can improve your life. Pat
yourselves on the back for being proactive about your health and checking
off every item on this list because you've made a commitment to make a
change!

1. Exercise improves mental health
Exercise does more than just burn calories and get your body into shape,
it also affects our mental health! Exercise helps relieve stress and
stimulates our "feel-good" brain chemicals. You'll also look better and
feel better when you exercise regularly, which will boost confidence and
improve self-esteem. Exercise also has been shown to reduce feelings of
depression and anxiety, and many doctors will prescribe regular workouts
to help battle the blues.

2. Exercise helps you manage your weight
When you exercise, you blast calories, duh. But did you know the more
muscle mass you build, the more calories you'll burn throughout the day?
And the higher your intensity level when you workout, the more calories
you'll burn! Aim to sweat it out 30-45 min a day 3-5 days a week for
optimal health.

3. Exercise promotes better sleep
Regular workouts help you fall and stay asleep more easily and increases
the amount of time you spend in the deepest stage of sleep. It also
improves the quality of your sleep.

4. Exercise can improve your sex life
Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can increase your stamina,
improve your body image, elevate your mood and enhance your libido!

5. Slows the aging process
Working out improves skin and muscle tone, increases flexibility and
delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. It also improves blood
circulation through your heart and blood vessels so you'll feel younger
and more energetic!

6. Exercise can help you bond with others
Staying active can be a great way to have fun, make new friends and bond
more with family. The hardest part of exercise is getting started,
enlisting a friend can help keep you accountable and can make workouts
fun!

7. Exercise fights disease
Regular exercise can help protect you from heart disease, high blood
pressure, stroke, obesity and osteoporosis. Regular exercise can also help
you prevent type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer and it strengthens
your heart and lungs.