31 Reasons to Get In Shape & Exercise

by Marc Perry Oct 19, 2010

12 Comments

I compiled a list of what I believe are the 31 most important reasons why you should get in shape, or stay in shape.
What “getting in shape” means to me is you have a baseline of (1) strength, (2) muscular endurance, (3) cardiovascular
capacity, and (4) flexibility to lead a fuller, healthier life. If you are weak in one of these 4 areas, then you have a gap
to fill my friend!

Next time you’re thinking of skipping exercise, or you’re contemplating getting in shape (see 5 Stages of Change
Model), you can use this list as a motivational reference.

If you have any friends who are not exercising, definitely shoot them this post!

So here are 31 reasons to get, or stay in great shape:

1. Reduces Cholesterol
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce “bad” cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL)

2. Sleep Better
Exercise can help you sleep better. People who exercise tend to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.

3. Improves Self Esteem

Regardless of your body appearance, regular fitness helps improve your self-esteem.

4. Reduces Blood Pressure

Exercise not only reduces high blood pressure, it helps prevent it.

5. Decreases Back Pain

By increasing muscle strength, endurance, and improving flexibility and posture, regular exercise helps to prevent back
pain. Studies show that exercise is an effective treatment for recurrent low back pain.

6. Reduces Risk of Injury

If you have a strong, fit body, the chances of injury significantly decrease.

7. Prevents Certain Cancers

Some studies show that exercising regularly can help decrease colon cancer risk by 40% and may help reduce the risk of
breast cancer as well.
8. Increases Metabolic Rate
Exercise not only will increase the total number of calories that you burn, but also can increase your resting metabolic
rate, so you burn more calories while at rest.

9. Increases Range of
Motion
An increase in flexibility can decreases stiffness
in joints, and can decrease pain and inflammation
associated with arthritis.

10. Increases Functional

Strength
From getting out of a chair, to lifting an object
off the ground, our bodies are able to perform
daily activities better.

11. Increases Insulin

Sensitivity
Not only does getting shape help increase insulin
sensitivity (ability of muscles to uptake glucose), but helps prevent type 2 diabetes.

12. Improves Sex Drive

Exercise increases circulation, which helps prevent erectile dysfunction and impotence. Exercise can increase sex
hormones like testosterone.

13. Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves and contractile function

14. Exercise is Fun and Enjoyable

Yep, it’s really true. There are so many types of ways to “move” that there is bound to be one you enjoy. Try making
exercise more competitive, or social if you need extra motivation. The hard part of course is getting started.

15. Exercise Prolongs Life

People who exercise regularly tend to live longer.

16. Improves Balance and Coordination

Exercise can improve your stability and also what is called your “kinesthetic awareness”. You have a better feel of
where you are spatially, so you don’t knock into things at the grocery store by mistake!

17. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Exercise is a great mood elevator to help you manage stress and reduce anxiety. The antidepressant effect of regular
physical exercise is comparable to the potent antidepressants like Sertraline.

18. Gastrointestinal Tract Benefits

Exercise is beneficial for persons suffering from cholelithiasis and constipation. Physical activity may reduce the risk of
diverticulosis, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and inflammatory bowel disease.
19. Weight Control
While some research shows exercise increases appetite while
others shows exercises suppresses appetite, one thing is for sure:
regular exercise helps control weight.

20. Improves Fat Utilization

Improves your body’s ability to use fat for energy during physical
activity. Our bodies use glycogen and fat as stored energy to help
sustain us.

21. Strengthens Immune System

Just about any doctor will tell you no pill or nutritional
supplement has the power of near daily moderate activity in
lowering the number of sick days people take.

22. Strengthens Your Bones

Lifting weights helps prevent osteoporosis, which is so important
because a shocking 1 out of 2 women will be diagnosed with
osteoporosis.

23. Improves Focus

Exercise helps improve your brain’s ability to concentrate,
remember, visualize, plan ahead, and solve problems because a
fitter body will supply a more rich amount of oxygen to your
brain.

24. Reduces Aches & Pains

Improves your body’s ability to sit still and be comfortable for long periods of time. Keeping your muscles toned and
strong and your joints flexible will prevent aches and pains from distracting you and keeping you from concentrating. If
you have an office job, exercise is a necessity!

25. Lose the Hidden Fat

But just like the fat that leads to belly rolls and love handles, internal fat — called visceral fat — also can be prevented
and eradicated with regular exercise.

26. Improves Energy Levels

Research suggests regular exercise can increase energy levels, even among people suffering from chronic medical
conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease. One study in 2006 showed the average effect of
regular exercise was greater than the improvement from using stimulant medications, such as those that treat ADHD
and narcolepsy. Forget the cup of coffee, or energy drink, and go for a brisk walk, or workout!

27. Prevents Alzheimer’s

The latest research indicates exercise can keep the brain sharp into old age and might help prevent Alzheimer’s
disease along with other mental disorders that accompany aging.

28. Improves Confidence

While appearance certainly isn’t everything, getting in better shape can help you look a lot better, and improve your
confidence. From the appearance of your skin, to your overall body shape, just about every physical attribute can
improve when you’re in shape.

29. Reach Your Potential

You’re not at your best if you’re flabby and out of shape. Simply put, when you’re in great shape, you’re a better
version of YOU, and this physical transformation can also help improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual state.
30. Because you can commit a couple hours out of your 168 hour
week to get all these benefits!
31. Because I just listed 30 compelling reasons to exercise and get
in shape!
So there you have it, a solid 31 reasons to get in shape and stay motivated to exercise!

Did I not include any benefits of staying in shape that you think are important?

Are there any reasons that are particularly motivational for you?