by Anthony MacGregor

Created on: January 23, 2009

Regular exercise is not only beneficial, it is essential for human beings to lead a healthy, positive lifestyle, regardless of age, race or social status. One point I overheard one woman say to another - "I don't understand why you go to the gym everyday, you are in good shape, you don't need the exercise." WRONG.

Just because someone is fit and in good shape doesn't mean they suddenly have to stop exercising - not by any means. Unfortunately in today's society exercise is immediately linked to counteracting that Big Mac you had for lunch. Everyone needs to exercise, no matter what you do or what you look like. So, if you are...

FAT

...you should exercise because it will make you healthier. Everyone knows the health problems that can come from being overweight - heart disease, trouble breathing, etc. And of course there's the low self-esteem, poor self-image and sometimes even depression that come along with it. Well, its no secret that getting a good amount of exercise every day will help with all these. Of course, its all useless unless you follow a reasonable diet, but exercise is a good step forward.

SKINNY

So perhaps you're one of those people that has never been fat, but has never exercised much either. Most would consider you lucky. But self-image is not the only reason to exercise - how about achievement? Heres a simple fact - Exercise makes you feel good. Already feel good? Exercise will make you feel better. More on why below.

DEPRESSED

Researchers found out that depression is actually caused by a chemical imbalance in your body. Great! Researchers developed pills to fix that chemical imbalance. WRONG. Our bodies can process food, we sweat, we breath, we feel and smell - millions of chemical reactions going on at once. Do we really need to mess with that system? Taking pills for depression is the rough equivalent of putting putting air in a flat tire and driving on it. Sure it will last a little while, but soon your emotions will deflate and you will need to pump in another pill. Just like you can't rely on putting air in your tires every 5 miles, you can't rely on popping a pill every 5 hours (or at least you shouldn't). Solution? Endorphins of course. The body's naturally occurring, constant "air supply" that keeps your emotions inflated so you can run much more than 5 miles of your life . (Hows that for an extended metaphor...?)

STRESSED

This one's pretty simple. When you exercise, your mind and body are focused on a goal, and soon the nuances from work your mind has to deal with by itself (at the expense of the body), are gone. Often times exercise can clear your mind to the point that you solve any problems, straighten out your emotions and come up with The Big Idea for your next article. Exercise is like a spa but without the cucumbers on your eyes.

HAPPY, SUCCESSFUL, IN GOOD SHAPE

Well, congratulations, you probably already exercise regularly, and know exactly what I am talking about. Keep at it, and keep feeling good.

Regardless of whether you fall into one of these categories or not, the benefits of exercise are incalculable. A good run, a session at the gym, a tennis match or a bike ride are like seeing a dietitian, a physician and a psychiatrist all at the same time. All for the price of a pair of sneakers.

So whether you goal is to loose weight, run longer, get bigger, or beat your boss at raquetball this weekend, it doesn't matter - setting yourself goals and acheiving them brings rewards that ripple through every single aspect of your life.

*Please note that though the benefits of exercise are great, they are even better when paired with a good diet. Good luck!

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