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In a perfect world, we all would wake up each morning for a quick jog, then spend the work day doing toe stands at the copier and climbing stairs instead of taking elevators. At home, we would do lunges while vacuuming, rake leaves with gusto and workout with an aerobics video. On weekends, we'd actually run errands instead of driving our cars, blast out bicep curls with our shopping bags while speed walking through the mall, then take Salsa dancing or kick-boxing lessons for fun.

Now in the real world, that just ain't gonna happen. Not because these tasks are so tough or time-consuming. We just think they are. Lurking behind each good thing we could do for our bodies are a dozen bad excuses for blowing off exercise.

Instead of finding excuses find reasons to put more activity in your life. Write them down and commit them to memory. Then, whenever you slip into excuse mode, recall a few to stay inspired to exercise. Try these five to help you change your fitness mind-set:

GOOD REASON 1: Exercise makes me look good. One of the best reasons to work out is the cosmetic benefit. Regular exercise burns calories, which helps you lose excess weight, and it builds bone and muscle tissue, giving you a sculpted, sexier body.

GOOD REASON 2: Exercise helps me feel good. Working out boosts your energy, strength and stamina. It also improves your mood since your brain releases chemicals (endorphins) while you exercise that relax the body and release tension. And if endorphins aren't enough, the changes in your body definitely will lift your spirit.

GOOD REASON 3: Exercise fights off illness. Regular exercise reduces the risk of heart, disease--one of the nation's leading causes of death--by strengthening the heart and lungs and improving blood circulation. Exercise also can prevent and manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and help control your weight, which cuts your risk of diabetes, asthma and cancer.

GOOD REASON 4: Exercise checks stress. Stress call lead to illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, migraines and mental-health, problems like nervous breakdowns and violent outbursts. Exercise burns excess energy generated by stress and produces those feel-good endorphins.

GOOD REASON 5: Exercise improves my love life. When you look good and feel good about your body, people will certainly take note. If you already have a special someone, shaping up together enhances physical and emotional intimacy since you both are sharing fitness goals and spending time together. And as an added bonus, exercise enhances the quality of your sex life by boosting your energy and endurance.

# posted by Medical Information : 2:43 AM