Why work out?

If I asked a group of people in a gym why they were working out I would get a variety of answers that all focus on looking better. Statements such as, I want bigger arms, I want smaller legs, or I want a six pack. Not to many people would say they want to lower their cholesterol or they want to lessen their chances of getting diabetes.

In today's society, we are all so focused on looks. We see athletes, actors, and models in magazines and on television and believe we will never look like that, so why try? The truth is, it's hard work to look like that. But the truth also is that they are paid to be in that kind of shape and they have time to work out 3-4 hours a day, unlike the normal person.

Even though we may never have that six pack or those 21 inch biceps, exercise does help us to be healthy in ways other than looking good. With 20-30 minutes a day of light to moderate exercise, we can:

• Lower our risk of heart disease
• Lower our cholesterol
• Lower our chance of diabetes
• Improve our flexibility
• Lower the risk of some forms of cancer
• Increase weight loss
• Improve our mood
• Boost our energy
• Promote better sleep
• Lower high blood pressure

Sure, 20-30 minutes a day of exercise will not give you the body of a Greek God, but it will increase your chances of living longer and will increase your quality of life. So get going! What are you waiting for? Go for a walk or a bike ride. Go play catch with your kid in the yard. Get up off the couch, away from the television and get moving!