21 Jul 2014 25 reasons to get moving (and improving)

by Karl Lenser

The list below answers the question “Why Exercise?” Of course, just listing these wonderful benefits will not necessarily prompt an individual to begin an exercise program. The key to getting involved in an exercise program is MOTIVATION.

Not much will happen unless there is motivation, and that has to come from within. Motivation can come from many different sources. It can be from a medical condition such as a heart attack or a certain event such as an upcoming wedding. People are motivated to exercise based on many unique situations, conditions or life experiences.

“You can lead the horse to the water, but you can’t make him drink it” is so true when trying to encourage sedentary folks to get moving.

Decisions to change a specific behavior need to come from within — not from external sources. Friends and family members can encourage and support a behavior, but the actual behavior change must come from the individual who is seeking a lifestyle change.

How do you get motivated if you are sedentary? That is a key question. HOW?? The more important question may be “what will happen to me if I don’t begin to get moving?”

Your body was designed to move, and failure to regularly exercise and move the 600-plus muscles that you have will likely result in medical problems and a reduction in one’s quality of life. Take care of your body, and it will take care of you. Your body is a remarkable engine if you do the necessary preventative maintenance that it demands.

People who exercise on a regular basis can expect to receive these benefits:
1.        Greater mobility
2.        Greater bone density
3.        Improved appearance
4.        Better short-term memory
5.        Greater energy
6.        Improved circulation in the heart and entire vascular system
7.        Increased HDL (good cholesterol)
8.    Reduction in blood pressure
9.    Improved ability to manage emergencies
10.    Improved self-esteem
11.    Reduced risk for colon and breast cancer
12.    Better posture
13.    Reduced chance for developing back injuries
14.    Reduced risk for heart attack
15.    Relief of depression
16.    Instant stress relief (after a workout)
17.    Lower resting heart rate
18.    Reduced chance for diabetes
19.    Greater muscular strength
20.    Better figure/physique
21.    Improved sleep
22.    Improved sense of well being
23.    Fewer trips to the clinic/hospital
24.    Improved immune system
25.    Decreased risk for obesity

A Conway resident, Karl Lenser is the director of wellness programs at Hendrix College. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. An accomplished runner, he can be reached at [email protected].