First and foremost, before we start the list, let's just admit right up front that the main reason we exercise is to look better. Hey, there's no shame in that! Perhaps we want to look better for our spouse, or maybe we want to get into shape because we're looking for a spouse. Whatever the reason, our desire to look good is a major motivator.



Many of us want to look better for ourselves. When we engage in regular resistance and aerobic exercise, it changes our appearance for the better. Less fat, toned muscle, healthier skin, a bigger smile, and more 'pep in our step' are all great reasons to exercise.

In addition to just looking better there are some real physical benefits to regular exercise. So for those of us who are working out to just look great, consider these reasons to exercise a bonus:

1. Strengthens muscles

2. Strengthens bone

3. Strengthens ligaments

4. Strengthens tendons

5. Strengthens immune system

6. Improves muscle tone

7. Improves endurance

8. Improves strength

9. Improves self esteem

10. Improves confidence

11. Improves balance

12. Improves physical appearance

13. Improves physical performance

14. Improves glucose tolerance

15. Improves circulation

16. Improves memory

17. Lower risk of heart disease

18. Lower risk of diabetes

19. Lower risk of cancer

20. Lower blood pressure

21. Lower cholesterol

22. Lower risk of stroke

23. Lower risk of osteoporosis

24. Lower risk of osteoarthritis

25. Lower requirements for medication

26. Lower risk of injury

27. Lower bodyfat

28. Helps with sleep disorders

29. Reduces post-operative complications

30. Reduces frequency of illness

31. Prevent Alzheimer's disease

32. Prevents muscle loss

33. Increases metabolism

34. Eases symptoms of menopause

35. Healthier pregnancy

36. Fewer problems with childbirth

37. Reduces ovulation problems

Moderate weight loss - of fat, not muscle - and a healthy and active lifestyle (not dieting) have been found to lower health risks and medical problems in 90 percent of overweight patients. In addition to the exercise benefits listed above, fit people are eight times less likely to die from cancer than the unfit, and 53 percent less likely to die from other diseases. Fit people are also eight times less likely to die from heart disease.

So the next time we're tempted to just sit back and watch television instead of exercising, let's remember that there are a lot of reasons to drop the remote and get moving.