Forgotten why you exercise? Here's your 7-step reminder primer!
Finding the time and energy to get active can be hard,
especially if you've been inactive for a long time. Often,
though, the hardest time to be active is a few months into
your workout plan, when you think you've got the lazy bug
licked? About then, you might start thinking "Oh, I can just
take this week off."
Soon enough, this week turns into next week and the week
after, and so on.
So every time you're about to give up on exercise, read this
7-step list to yourself? Or better yet, tape it up somewhere
(like the bathroom mirror) where you're most likely to read it
everyday.
1) People who exercise live longer, on average, than people
who don't. Active people have a lower risk of dying from heart
disease and stroke, and they're less likely to get high blood
pressure.
2) Exercise can help with health problems like type 2 diabetes
(exercise can lower your blood sugar levels) and arthritis
(exercise helps reduce joint swelling and pain and improves
mobility).
3) Exercise makes you "functionally fit," meaning that it's
easier for you to carry groceries, do chores, even go to the
mall and shop for new (smaller) clothes!
4) Active people are less depressed, and depressed people
often feel better after they start exercising.
5) Exercise can save you money. If you can prevent serious
(and costly) medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer,
and osteoporosis, you will have more money for your other
needs.
6) Exercise is fun! Many of the activities you did for play as a
child count as exercise. Dancing fast, walking your dog,
bicycling, and gardening all strengthen your heart and lungs.
7) SO GO GET FIT!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!