Seven reasons to exercise

I don't really know seven reasons.  But here are a few reasons I know that I need to exercise.

1)  Exercise helps combat depression.  I have a tendency to moodiness and depression.  I just do; sometimes it's situational, sometimes it's for no reason at all.  Exercise helps.

2)  Exercise helps raise my metabolism.  My kids burn off so many calories, just because they are young and active.  Me, not so much.  As I age, my metabolism needs all the help it can get.

3)  Exercise helps me survive premenstrual syndrome.  I have every symptom of PMS listed.  Seriously.  It's bad.  Exercise, therefore, is required.

4)  Exercise reduces my risk of several diseases.  And since I'd preferred not to have heart disease, diabetes, and other problems, exercise is important.

5)  Exercise burns calories. 

6)  Exercise reshapes the body--without surgery!  Because surgery costs a lot of money and involves scars.  And did I mention it costs a lot of money?

7)  Exercise helps us live longer.  And we won't be hobbling around, then, wishing we'd walked faster, longer and harder while we were young enough to push ourselves.

Who knew?  I really do know seven reasons to exercise.  Also?  Starting Tuesday of this week, I am committed to at least thirty minutes of exercise, five days a week.  (I'm experimenting with weekends off.)  Yesterday, I walked.  This morning, I rode my exercise bike.  (We are having a deluge of rain here.)  Tomorrow, it'll probably be the exercise bike again unless the rain has let up.

For me, exercise is important mostly because it helps my mood.  And when I'm not depressed, it's easier to eat properly.  When I stopped exercising regularly a year ago (a YEAR AGO), everything fell apart.  I must make exercising a priority if I expect to gain and maintain better health and smaller pants.

And now I will stop this rambling post.

The end.

Comments

[Cher]

Exercise bike are perfect for doing cardiac work outs. They help in toning and strengthening leg muscles. They have comfortable seating which helps reduce stress. In fact exercise bikes are one of the pain free work outs.

http://www.yorkfitness.com/Cycles-cat-503/Index.html

[Sandy McCann]

So....do you like exercising? I suppose I like it, but I find it extremely difficult to not think of it as a selfish indulgence....I never even get to the point where I get excited about doing it...it also does not help that my hubby can exercise and EVERYTHING he does shows in a good way. He tells me he sees/feels the difference in me when I do exercise...but "I" don't see it...

Speaking of PMS...I am in a huge slump (again) that way...SO hard to feel positive abotu anything.

[Karen]

I am going to print this post and tape it to my head. Or maybe I should just start exercising again. These are all good reasons and they all apply to me. Now, I need to quit using the excuse of "no time."

[somebodys mother]

My amazingly healthy and fit 70 year old father's number one reason to exercise: Because it feels so good when you stop! Silliness and laughter make it infinitely easier to stay on track.

[Jen - Queen of Poo]

I still haven't made exercise a priority. I am so tired. I know exercise will help, but I can't break out of the poor me I'm too tired doldrums. Your reasons help. But I'm so tired. Oh yeah, I haven't had my coffee yet this morning. :-P

[jsprik]

i suppose your right....**rolls back over and goes to sleep** :)

[jsprik]

i suppose your right....**rolls back over and goes to sleep** :)

[jsprik]

i suppose your right....**rolls back over and goes to sleep** :)

[Tish]

Hey Mel,

I just finished reading your archives. I think we're kindred spirits. Right now I've lost 51 pounds and am trying to hold on tight through the holidays and some stressful family things.

I just wanted to encourage you today--
you're way still ahead of where you were 3 years ago. Read your joyous post at the end of May '06 where you describe yourself as a "svelte 209."
This is about my 12th time on WW. Never reached goal before, but, this time I'm so very close. I don't track or count calories or points--I do the CORE (or what they now call the Simply Filling) plan. It DOES work and has you eating things you can eat for life. My bff joined in 2002 and refused to quit, going every week, but hadn't lost any. I finally convinced her to try CORE and, since May, she's lost 78 pounds.
I'm right with you on the exercise--it's sooo hard to get and stay motivated. Can your former early morning walking buddy work into your schedule?
Good for you for keeping up and not just disappearing from blog land. Have you read Shauna's blog or, better, her book? amazing adventures of diet girl) She had a year of gaining before she ultimately reached her goal--like you, she didn't give up.
Don't believe them when they say that you can't lose when you're older. I'm older than you by a long shot and it CAN be done.

I've captured you in my bookmarks and will check in daily. Head up, tummy in, shoulders back . . .

Tish

[breckgirl]

Hey Mel - How are you? Exercise is so great for my moods, too. If I am exercising regularly, I actually want to take care of myself in other ways, like - eat healthier food! Wash face at night! Get up earlier and shower! Today I even ate a tomato and a zuchini - Yes, things are looking up around here. Which is good, because my ASS has weighted down with a few nasty new pounds.

I joined Curves and am doing that 5 days a week, during my workday, so that I have weekends AND my evenings off and I tell you, it has made a great difference in my attitude and my energy levels. I really enjoy that place! Have you tried it? I recommend it highly.

Well, sounds like you're on the right path these days. It's really just a daily choice, isn't it? A series of "good for you" choices - we can choose the caring choice or the hateful choice. Why is it that the hateful ones usually taste or feel better?!! Damn.

[MamaBearJune]

Another reason - healthy skin!

Great post! I'm very proud of you for continuing to be accountable and transparent.

Off to do my treadmill IF the smell is gone in my basement. We had to have our sump pump replaced this morning. GAG! ;-)

[Barbara]

Exercise is my Prozac. I know that the number one reason I did not experience post-partum depression with my 3rd is because I was exercising. As soon as I can get a regular sleep routine, thus a regular wake-up routine, I plan to walk the dog every day my husband is home. Other than that it's push-ups and stretching until the baby is old enough to stay at the gym nursery.

[Tena]

I'm with you about the mood thing. Don't know why I get moods but I have all my life. Exercise helps keep the bad moods away. Also, when I exercise regularly my appetite stays pretty even. :) Love that!

[becca]

I was going to start one hour of exercise every day, starting Monday. But then who would do my laundry? I have to work at 5, so why make two trips?

Oh the excuses I have, but the weight stays.
Time ticks away...
When is it okay to put yourself first?