Engage Your Brain to Keep your Muscles Moving

Obviously, by the end of these 12 weeks, I want to get everyone addicted to endorphins and enjoy exercising. However, I understand there are days that you don't "feel like working out" or you don't "feel like going to boot camp". If you get nothing else out of these 12 weeks, as least I want you to all feel obligated to be physically active. It is not a matter of whether you "feel like it" or not, but a matter of taking care of your body and your health.

Research has shown that the people most likely to continue an exercise program are those who keep the benefits in mind. Sometimes just a quick reminder of all you can gain from just consistently getting in at least 30-60 min. of exercise can help with sticking to the routine. Just a few of the many benefits are listed below.

• Physical activity actually slows the aging process, so you will remain healthier and more active for a longer time. Exercise extends your life span and the quality of your life.
• Regular exercise increases the supply of oxygen to your heart and improves cholesterol levels and prevents blood clots. If you have high blood pressure, exercise can bring it down to healthier levels. Even if you don't have high blood pressure, it will keep it under control.
• "According to recent research moderate exercise, such as walking for half an hour most days, significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer- one of the few steps a woman can take to avoid this dreaded disease. Active people also have lower rates of colon and rectal cancer, possibly because exercise increases the rate at which waste moves through the digestive system".
• Who needs drugs when you have exercise? Exercise is proven as effective as medication in treating mild-moderate depression in numerous controlled studies, which might be due to its effects on brain chemistry.
• Need more energy? Exercise increases energy, reduces anxiety, and boosts positive feelings. The "runner's high" really is a high and gets addicting.
• As muscles get stronger, they can work longer and harder without getting tired.
• Weight bearing exercise increases bone density and lowers risk for bone weakness and injuries.
• Having trouble sleeping? Physical activity decreases the stress chemicals and tension levels so you can not only fall asleep faster, but will sleep longer and wake up feeling more refreshed.
• Exercising regularly can boost your confidence, by taking control over an important aspect of your life, which then can boost your confidence to take on other things.