EXERCISE: It Does the Body Good in More Ways Than You May Think

We have all heard of the word exercise to some degree over the course of our lives. Unfortunately, often associated with exercise are words that tend to be synonymous with exercise such as fads, diets, wonder pills, lose weight without ever touching a weight or participate in any form of cardiovascular exercise program or drop two pants sizes by performing some avongotical experiment by placing hot seaweed wrap around your thighs hoopla. The thing is, weight loss, muscular definition, strength and size do not happen without dedication, devotion, motivation and hard work. To take this one step further, exercise can provide numerous benefits with some you may not have realized.

Sure, participating in an exercise program can benefit anyone. Muscular growth, strength and/or definition can be achieved through a weight/strength training program as well as weight reduction by incorporating a form of cardiovascular exercise. You may even be aware that beginning and maintaining an exercise program can reduce certain forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, lower bad cholesterol, strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure and even increase energy levels throughout the course of the day. These are truly healthy alternatives to those found at the other end of the spectrum if one decides that being a couch potato makes more sense where getting up to go to the bathroom or running to the fridge to get another fine pilsner beer constitutes a form of cardiovascular and weight training programs. We have all probably, from time to time, been guilty of this venture and even gone so far as to try one of those magical pills, fad diets, liposuction surgery or experimented with seaweed wraps and other alternative measures in hopes of seeking the holy grail of proper health and physique.

So, most of us get the fact that exercise is needed to get the lazy bug off our chests while doing something good for our bodies, not to mention the possibility of looking good in front of the mirror. However, do you understand just how beneficial exercise really is? Their are more than fifty proven benefits that can be attributed to an exercise program, many of these will probably be an eye opener for some?

Studies between osteoporosis, bone density(mass) and strength training have been given considerable attention lately. The end results of many of these studies have proven that a decrease in the likeliness of developing osteoporosis, especially in women and elderly people and elevated bone density mass have a direct correlation with incorporating a strength training program into ones daily routine. Calcium, magnesium and other nutrients are needed to help slow down osteoporosis while strength training helps to retain the calcium levels in your bones so they don't become brittle. More dense bones create stronger bones and help stimulate bone formation.

Partaking in an exercise program helps alleviate varicose veins, increases the size and weight of your heart, strengthens the contractile function of the heart, improves circulation while lowering blood pressure. Coordination, balance and flexibility can also be achieved which aids in reducing the likeliness of falling down, especially in elderly people and aids in reducing the risk of encountering muscle strains, pulled muscles, ligament and tendon damage.

Carrying the exercise phenom one step further and grasping it from another angle, think about the way you will look and feel. Leaner, more energy throughout the course of the day, enhanced quality of sleep, increased immune system, reduced stress, depression, elevated self-esteem, mental focus and improved appetite for consuming healthy foods can all be achieved through exercise including both strength training and a form of cardiovascular program.

You can truly see now just how important exercise is. Now its up to you to get off the couch or recliner, throw out the potato chips and donuts and get involved in exercise. Your body will love you for it and you will feel better as well.

Remember, before starting any type of exercise program, speak to your doctor. You may want to look into hiring a personal trainer or fitness expert and a nutritionist as they can play a vital role in your exercise program and the results you achieve. Know your limitations, don't over do it, be safe and most of all have fun...

I can't stress enough the importance of proper diet, getting alot of sleep(recovery time), limiting alcohol and cutting out smoking when engaging in exercise. These keys will enable you to achieve your goals from an exercise program more efficiently and effectively not to mention the health aspects associated with following these keys.

Jimmy Buffett said it best in one of his songs off his 1994 Fruitcakes album simply entitled "Fruitcakes". "I treat my body like a temple, you treats yours like a tent". Think about it...how do you treat yours and what does it mean to you?

To your health!