Sometimes, exercise can be a hard sell. I mean many people would rather spend their hard-earned leisure time sitting on the sofa watching TV than sweating like crazy in the gym.
Experts often tell us that we need to exercise to improve our health and fitness but what does that really mean? What are the REAL benefits to exercising regularly and eating right? In this article, I will give you the low down on why exercise is not just important but essential for your long-term well being...

Let's get physical!

The most obvious benefits of being fit tend to be physical. In fact, many exercisers work out specifically for the benefits they see and feel in their bodies. There is nothing wrong with exercising for how you look; something commonly referred to as aesthetics, however, there is a whole lot more to be gained from exercise and fitness than just looking good.

Improved muscular strength which will make everyday tasks easier to perform

Better muscular endurance so you are more resistant to fatigue
Enhanced coordination so your movements are smoother and more economical

Lowered blood pressure - your doctor will be pleased!
Improved circulation

Better balance which can reduce the likelihood of suffering a fall in elderly people

Increased bone mass which means a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis

Improved cardiovascular (heart and lung) fitness and health
Better joint strength, stability and mobility making joint pain less likely Better posture which can help reduce back pain while taking years off your appearance

And don't forget your mind!

The benefits of exercise and fitness don't stop with your body; your brain also functions better as a result of your regular workouts

Improved mood because of increased endorphin production - endorphins are the feel good hormones commonly associated with exercise
Exercise is also a great stress buster and provides a safe and controlled environment for venting feelings of frustration or anger. Punching the heavy bag at the gym is GREAT therapy!
Increased self-confidence. People who exercise are often more confident than non-exercisers. This can help in both your personal life and career.

Improved memory and general mental function. People who exercise enjoy increased brain health because the brain, like the rest of your body, benefits from increased oxygenated blood flow.

Increased determination. Regular exercisers often report that their ability to see a project through to its end is better than non-exercisers. This has a lot to do with becoming accustomed to completing challenging workouts which make other, more mundane tasks, seem less daunting and more achievable.

That's not all folks!

In addition to the physical and mental benefits of fitness and exercise, there are a number of other, more difficult to define benefits to be had.

More attractive to the opposite sex. A fit, toned, lean body is often viewed as a desirable trait to look for in a prospective partner. People who look healthy and fit are normally more virile which taps into our basic human instinct to reproduce Less age-related physical and mental decline. The aging process is often characterized by a slow but remorseless decline in strength, fitness and health. While exercise is not exactly the fountain of youth, it can certainly slow some of the more noticeable changes and ensure that you can enjoy a high quality of life in your golden years Increased longevity. Although hard to prove, many experts agree that regular exercise has the potential to extend your life. A healthy heart and circulatory system is essential for a long and healthy life so while it's hard to quantify exactly how much longer you may live due to exercise, it makes good sense that regular exercise will ensure that you live long and live well.

It's never too late

Whatever your age, exercise history or current level of fitness, exercise offers a wide number of physical and mental benefits and even if you are a late bloomer, you can still enjoy many of the benefits associated with regular exercise.

In terms of benefits versus cost, even a relatively small amount of time spent exercising each week can deliver a large number of benefits so rather than ask the question why exercise?, surely it makes more sense to ask the question why not?