Exercise facts - Part 2

OK - so let's say the reasons listed in yesterday's blog are not meaningful to you and you are still searching for motivation to kick in a regular exercise regimen.
Try these 9 additional reasons to lace up your tennies:

1.  Decreased risk of stroke - in women, evidence suggests you can lower your risk by as much as 40%!

2.  Decreased risk of heart disease - again, studies have shown a 30-40% lower risk of heart disease in women who exercise 5 days per week.

3.  Stronger bones - risk of hip fracture is nearly 40% less in women who walk at least 4 hours per week.

4.  Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome - moderately active people have a 30-40% lower risk than even normal-weight, sedentary women!

5.  Decreased risk of depression - moderate to vigorous exercise for 30 min, 3 times per week can decrease the incidence of depression 15 - 25%.

6.  Lowered blood pressure - systolic blood pressure can be lowered significantly with as little as 40 min of exercise 3-5 times per week.

7.  Super-sized mitochondria - what?  Mitochondria are the fuel-burning centers of your muscles.  More, bigger, stronger mitochondria means more fuel (read - calorie) burning.

8.  Decreased pain and disability from arthritis - fending off arthritic change requires full-range-of-motion movement.  Both aerobic and strengthening exercises can help.

9.  Decreased risk of falls - fall risk drops by nearly 30% in adults who are physically active.  if you don't use your balance, you are likely to use your balance.


Now - if you're still on the fence...I may be out of reasons (16 isn't enough?!) but at least you know some more trivia!