Why Do I Need to Bother?

     Good afternoon...I have a little frustration building up right now.  Why?  because the weight is not coming off.   I can gain a pound by inhaling the scent of  bar-b-que.  So, why can't I drop the weight that quick, fast, and in a hurry?  I am going to address that at a later time.   With my frustration has come this question.  Why do I need to bother to do this exercise thing?  After some research and reading, here are the reasons why you, me, and everyone you can think of needs to exercise.  Yes, they make sense and yes, and you probably already know some of the facts.

     We need some exercise because, as my Mother would say, "I said so"...  It doesn't matter how old you are, what type of athletic ability you have or if you are the perfect weight, you need to exercise.  With every movement that we repeatedly make using our muscles, our body will respond.  You know, as well as I do, the first thing that happens is, you start breathing heavy.  That's great because that means more oxygen is now being supplied to your body.  Then your heart beats faster, meaning more blood is going to start moving to your muscles and back to your lungs.  Now your small blood vessels start to carry away waste products that you do not need, like carbon dioxide and lactic acid.  There even comes a point when your body will start to release endorphins, which is the body's natural morphine-like substance, which gives you an increased sense of euphoria (unlike the true morphine, it is not addicting) or well-being.     

     Regular exercise will help you increase your endurance.  Maybe we won't be so winded everytime we climb a flight of stairs.  Exercise can keep off those extra pounds and we may lose a pound or 3 in the process.  Now, that is what I am looking for!!!  Exercise can help manage major systems in our bodies by lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, strengthening our hearts and lowering the bad cholesterol  (raise your hand if I mentioned anything that relates to you).   Moods are known to be lifted and relaxation is enhanced with exercise.  Just those reasons should be enough to GET and KEEP us moving REGULARLY.
     Remember there is aerobic exercise, which involves more fitness and endurance.  That involves running, swimming, zumba, etc...anything that has you moving for a sustained period of time.  Then you have resistance exercise which involves, weight-lifting or the pushing and pulling against force.  This helps build muscle and is great for conditioning.  And there are flexibility exercises like pilates and yoga.  They help to increase your range of motion in the muscles and joints.  We should strive to do some of every type of exercise to effect our WHOLE body. 
     You have got to make a move, and if you are already making strides, KEEP IT GOING.   Now, I am a great motivator for others, but I need to continue to keep myself motivated, so do not hesitate to send me a message, as I also continue on this road to healthier living. 
Smooches...

(References Mayoclinic.com, ABC Health & Wellbeing, About.com)