Do you feel like everyone is talking about exercising?? Well, they are! It’s so good for you that NOT exercising is kind of silly, wouldn’t you say? So, after a long, cold St. Louis winter maybe you just need a reminder of why exercising is all everyone is claiming it to be.

Here are some great reasons to get moving:

Longevity—People who are physically active live longer, healthier lives. This is true too for people who have neglected physical activity most of their lives. It isn’t too late to get active and exercise.
New brain cells—For decades it was believed that we could not grow new brain cells after a certain age. There are studies that suggest that exercise stimulates the formation of new brain cells. With new brain cells exercisers become more alert, are able to perform tasks better and are more likely to keep learning.
Prevent cardio-vascular disease—Lack of physical activity is definitely a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Your heart is a muscle so exercising will in effect cause your heart to workout too. Hence, making it stronger. Even low to moderate intensity exercising when done for at least 30 minutes a day will bring benefit your heart.
The best stress management technique—As a stress management reliever exercise is at the top of the list. Exercising will release negative feelings and can be cathartic at the end of a frustrating day. Exercise stimulates endorphin production (a feel good hormone released by the brain) that will improve your mood. The next time you feel stressed or tired, try doing an exercise you enjoy. When you’re done you’ll be rewarded with a feeling of well-being.
Cancer prevention—Evidence exists that physical activity may be linked to lowering the risk of some common forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise 5 or more days a week.
Looking better—Exercising to look better is a great motivator. Exercise along with a healthy diet will help you shed those unwanted pounds that have crept up over time. Exercising promotes better sleep. With a good night’s sleep you’ll wake up energized. Your concentration and productivity will increase. You may even notice you’re in a better mood when you’re well rested. Exercise and sleeping better will not only make you feel marvelous but you are going to look marvelous too!

One of the easiest and least expensive exercise routines is walking. If an exercise routine is new to you this is a great place to start. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes that fit properly to support you feet and ankles.
If you are one of those many individuals who can’t find time to exercise because you’re so busy, take heart. Walking may be the answer to your daily time crunch.
Let’s say you decide you want to walk 30-45 minutes 5 days per week. You can divide one walk into several and achieve the same benefits as doing it all at once. Try this: Take 3 ten-minute walks or 2 – 3 fifteen-minute walks. You can take these walks throughout your day, wherever you are. It can’t get much easier than that!
Better yet, make an investment in a pedometer. A pedometer measures walking, running and jogging steps. You can also use it on a treadmill, Stairmaster, elliptical trainer or an upright bike. You can buy a good pedometer at a sporting goods store for about $20.
This handy device is small enough that you can attach it securely to your waistband and wear it all day.
The optimal number of steps to walk each day is 10,000. If this seems like a high number consider the pay off; improved cardio fitness, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and weight control!
To get an accurate count of your steps let your pedometer do the counting. From the moment you attach the pedometer each step is included in your daily total.
Remember, you don’t need a special place for your walking routine. Check out the nearest high school track, trails or paths in parks, your neighborhood, golf courses or a shopping mall.
If a “walking for exercise” routine doesn’t interest you, you might consider joining a gym or your local YMCA. Both offer a variety of classes and equipment that you can take advantage of with your membership.

So, you’ve now made the decision to start exercising. How do you incorporate it into your lifestyle so that you won’t give up?
*Start small. Try exercising for fifteen minutes each day for a week. Increase the time over a few weeks. This gives your body time to adjust and avoid injury.
*One of the easiest ways to keep things going is to not stop. Avoid long breaks in exercising. Give your routine time to develop into a habit. When you miss a day you’ll notice a difference and get back on it right away.
*Commit to exercise for 30 days. Even if you only have time for 20 minutes, go for it! Making that commitment to yourself and sticking with it will be a great incentive to keep going.
*Make exercise fun. If you don’t enjoy yourself, whatever your routine, you won’t be doing it for long. There are hundreds of ways to move your body. Experiment and find what’s right for you.
*Find an exercise buddy. Encourage each other to show up and work out!
*Set goals. Challenge yourself to achieve them. Your reward? A healthier, you.

Exercise IS all everyone is claiming it to be. What are you waiting for?? GO FOR IT!