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Where do I start with exercise?! After all, I am an exercise physiologist, so I do have some interest in and information to discuss about exercise. I could write a whole book on the subject, but there are actually many out there. In this book, I hope to provide an informative section in order to emphasize its importance as part of a healthy lifestyle, but then I want to continue on to the rest of the pieces of the puzzle. Exercise is no new concept but, amazingly, we are in an even greater exercise deficit today than in decades past. Despite all of the "wellness" products and attention, overall our nation does not meet physical activity requirements. In a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was found that more than 22 percent of Americans did not engage in any physical activity within a month period and this percentage was greater than 30 percent in those states with the highest rates of obesity-a phenomenon that is no doubt closely related.

With all of the benefits from exercise, who would want to just sit all day and not participate in this privilege? I will say that many who believe in exercise, have made it a way of life- I am not saying that it has to be what you most love to do, but I urge you to get to the point of obtaining a remote sense of pleasure from it. Yes! I did say pleasure. I realize there are many of you out there that are thinking, "How in the world can I do that?" I can say that you must give it a chance to work and don't expect it overnight. The good things in life often require at least a small investment on the front end. And the old adage that "nothing in life is free" is partially true for exercise-although exercise actually can be free in a financial sense, a commitment is required. But many people don't realize that exercise is such a powerful thing. Many people see exercise as something of a chore, inconvenience and burden at times-believe me, it's much better than doing the dishes! If you possibly feel this way, I urge you just to try it as a way of life. Don't take my word for it after reading further in this chapter, hopefully you will want to do so-my goal is to inspire you to try it!

A slow death? Stay active! Did you know that being sedentary leads to death as would a 9mm handgun? Albeit, death by sedentary lifestyle may take much more time. I won't argue that a gun may kill more quickly and ruthlessly, but which is really better? Ok, so this comparison this

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