Benefits of Exercise By David MaretHouse - Master Fitness Trainer, owner of MaretHouse Fitness, and co-owner of JD Max Fitness We all have been told that exercise is good for us.  Our doctors, Oprah and even our government are pushing us to exercise to improve our health; however, are you aware of what all the benefits of exercising actually are?  Below is a list of over 60 health benefits of exercise.  I am sure you can pick at least one from the list below that you can benefit from.

Increased energy Increased self-esteem Increased mental focus Improves psychological well-being Decreased risk of heart attack Decreased risk of osteoporosis Reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 60% Reduce the risk of colon cancer Reduce the risk of developing diabetes Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation Reduce high cholesterol or risk of developing high cholesterol Increased HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) Decreased blood triglycerides Increased maximal oxygen consumption (V02max) Increased maximal cardiac output Reduced time and exertion during labor and delivery  Improved fertility Reduced risk factors of general anesthesia Improved recovery post surgery Increased maximal stroke volume Reduced insulin resistance Increased strength and stamina Reduced depression Decreased stress levels Improved digestion Enhances quality of sleep Adds radiance to complexion Improves body shape Tones and firms muscles Enables and maintains healthy weight loss Increases flexibility Improves endurance Increases metabolic rate Improves circulation Reduces diastolic and systolic blood pressure Increases lean muscle tissue Alleviates menstrual cramps Enhances coordination and balance Improves posture Eases and possibly eliminates back problems and pain Lowers resting heart rate Improves body composition Decreases fat tissue more efficiently Enables body to be more agile Reduces joint discomfort Improves athletic performance Increases libido Adds years to a life Enhances immune system Improves glycogen storage Increases enzymes in the body which burn fat Increases the number and size of mitochondria in muscle cells Increases concentration of myoglobin in skeletal muscles Increases blood volume and ability to carry oxygen Improves liver function Increases speed of muscle contraction and reaction time Enhances feedback through the nervous system Strengthens the heart Improves blood flow Helps to alleviate varicose veins Increases contractility of the heart’s ventricles Increases the weight and size of the heart Improves efficiency of calcium transport in the heart and body Improved glucose tolerance