- What IS Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that's stored in the fat (lipids) content of one's blood stream. It's actually important to have a certain amount of "good" cholesterol in one's system.

Cholesterol, and our other body fats, cannot dissolve in our blood. They must be transported by special carriers called lipoproteins. While there are numerous kinds (too many to cover here), the two that are most important are the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and the low-density lipoproteins (LDL). There is a third kind, which is referred to as Lp(a), which can increase one's risk of heart attack and stroke. We'll cover that one here, as well.

- HDL, LDL, & Lp(a)...What ARE These?

-- High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as "good cholesterol." Most experts agree that HDL moves the cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down and leaves the body through the natural evacuation process. A higher HDL level seems to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Keep in mind, though, that a lower HDL level in one's body (-40 mg/dL in men, -50 mg d/L in women) is a warning signal of greater risk of one or both.

HDL seems to remove excess cholesterol from the plaques which build up in one's blood vessels, thereby inhibiting or slowing their growth. This is what makes it so important to the human body. Approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the cholesterol in our bodies is carried by the HDL.

-- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the major transporters of cholesterol in our blood. One can experience a buildup on the walls of the arteries which supply blood to our hearts and brains, if too much LDL enters the blood stream. When combined with other substances, it forms plaques. Plaques are hard, thick coatings that can clog one's arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart or the brain. Should the blood not move swiftly enough, there is danger of a blood clot forming near the plaques. When this occurs in the arteries leading to the heart, one is at greater risk of a heart attack. If it happens in the arteries which lead to one's brain, there is a higher risk of stroke.

If one's LDL level is 160 mg/dL or higher, this is an indication of a greater risk of heart disease. And if one has already been diagnosed with heart disease, it it strongly recommended that one maintain a level of less than 100 mg/dL.

-- A little known (by the general population) lipoprotein that can also cause a greater risk is the Lp(a) cholesterol lipoprotein. This is a generic variaton of plasma (the "fluid" which carries the blood cells through one's blood stream) LDL. When one's Lp(a) level is higher, one can more quickly develop the plaque buildup which physicians and specialists refer to as "arthersclerosis." Although there has been no conclusive evidence drawn as to WHY Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk of heart disease, it it commonly believed that the natural lesions which occur in our artery walls may contain substances that interact with it. This may lead to the buildup of the fatty deposits.

- From Where Do We Get Cholesterol?
-- The general consensus is that the human body is capable of producing the cholesterol that one needs to remain healthy. The body -most especially the liver- produces roughly 1,000 mg per day. Therefore the cholesterol consumed, (by the average person eating the typical foods such as whole milk dairy products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and seafood), is not really necessary to maintain the healthy level which one needs.

Two of the biggest culprits which contribute to the excessive consumption of cholesterol are transfats and saturated fats. But other fats consumed in foods can also raise blood cholesterol. While some of the excess fat is removed from the body by the liver, most heart specialists recommend that the average person limit himself/herself to less than 300 mg daily. And if one has been diagnosed with heart disease, that level shoud be less than 200 mg daily. If one has been diagnosed with extremely high cholesterol, even more drastic measures may be necessary to bring it under control.

- How Do I Control My Intake?
A proven and accepted measure of control is to limit one's intake to no more that 6 ounces of lean meat / fish / poultry daily, and to consume only lowfat/no fat dairy products. Effective substitutes for the protein necessary for good health can be found in beans and vegetables with high protein content. One excellent source for determining which foods have high protein content can be found at:

http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html#Charts

It is also recommended that one adopt a regular exercise regimen. Even a moderate amount of daily activity can help to increase the movement of blood through one's body. Physical activities such as leisurely walking, gardening, light yard work, houswork, and slow dancing are often prescribed as ideally suited for those who need a daily routine to help control the cholesterol levels.

A more intense regimen can include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and weight-lifting. And aerobic exercising is an excellent way to increase one's breathing and heart rates.

Side benefits of a regularly scheduled exercise program can include weight control, reducing one's risk of developing diabetes, and helping to keep one's blood pressure at a healthy level. Regular moderate to intense exercise can also help to strenghthen one's heart and lungs.

- To Smoke or Not to Smoke...
Most physicians and specialists recommend that no one smoke. And it has been proven that tobacco smoking increases the risk of heart disease. One's intake of oxygen, which is a necessary component for good vascular circulation and health, is drastically reduced. Plus, smoking is detrimental to HDL cholesterol levels and increases the possibility of blood clots. Not to mention the risks of causing cancer in one's body.

- The Effects of Alcohol on Cholesterol Levels
The moderate consumption of alcohol has shown, in some studies, to actually promote higher HDL cholesterol levels. With that said one must weigh the risks of alcoholism, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, and sometimes depression. Exercise moderation (not more than 1-2 drinks daily for men, not more than 1 drink daily for women). And if you don't drink, don't start. There are better and safer alternatives to controlling one's cholesterol.
Synopsis:
- HDL is "good" cholesterol

- LDL is "bad" cholesterol

- An exercise regimen can help in lowering LDL and increasing HDL.

- Cholesterol can be controlled with a sensible diet, for many people.

- Smoking can increase the risks of lower HDL levels and the possibility of blood clots.

- Consult your physician or health care provider before embarking on any exercise regimen, or the consumption of alcohol, as a method to control one's cholesterol. He or she can direct you to what steps you need to take in order to ensure the best results for your efforts.

- Have an annual screening (usually a blood drawing) to determine your cholesterol levels. Be sure to discuss family history and other issues which your doctor may want to know before deciding whether or not you should be checked for the Lp(a) lipoproteins. He or she can better determine your risks, the diagnosis, and possible treatment (which may include prescription medication) when fully informed.

Fitness and exercise are gaining popularity in our culture for many reasons. Reactions against the sedentary lifestyles Americans have lived for decades, a rash of type two diabetes with people engaging in fitness and exercise to improve their conditions, parents encouraging youngsters to get up and away from the television and work out, and the baby boomers, pursuing fitness and exercise as they age, to allow them to enjoy their advanced years. Regardless of the reasons, many Americans take fitness and exercise very seriously.

Ways, in which Americans engage in fitness and exercise activities are varied and show the diversity of both the population and their interests. Many people go to gyms or athletic clubs. Others participate in sports events that they enjoy. Fitness and exercise activities can include bowling, racquet sports like squash, golf, summer softball leagues, horseshoes, hiking, horseback riding, and many other fun things to do. Fitness and exercise activities in American have many faces.

One of the most popular fitness and exercise activities is simply walking. Many people of all ages enjoy taking a brisk walk every day. This simple fitness and exercise activity can be done by almost anyone. So many Americans are walking these days that magazines are published devoted to the activity. Generally Americans are not as organized as their European cousins when in comes to walking. In Germany, one of the most popular weekend fitness and exercise activities is the volksmarch, or people’s march. When a volksmarch occurs, people of all ages gather together to take a day long, or half day long walk through a town or a country location, stopping to share a meal along the way. They combine fitness and exercise with social activity, and everyone has a great time.

Americans may not be ready for the volksmarch yet, but they find many other fitness and exercise options to their liking. Golf is more popular now than any time in history. Tennis is making a popularity comeback. Even martial arts are fitness and exercise choices for many. For Americans the important thing about fitness and exercise is to do something and make sure that the something you do is something you enjoy. Fitness and exercise will lead to a longer and healthier life, and give a great deal of fun to the participants along the way.

Everyone knows that exercise is very good for your health.  During pregnancy, exercise can have many other benefits as well.  Normally, exercise should be light, especially during your first few weeks of pregnancy while your body adjusts to the changes. 

Any type of heavy exercise can divert the blood flow from crucial areas, and most women that exercise on a regular basis should tone down their workout regimen during pregnancy. 

Swimming, walking, and yoga are two very popular exercise activities that are suitable for pregnant women.  There are other forms of exercise such as weight lifting that are acceptable as long as it isn't too strenuous.  Most specialists recommend exercise 3 - 4 times a week, unless you have a medical condition that prevents it.  If you are ever in doubt, you should consult a physician first.  Below, you'll find some of the best reasons as to  why you should exercise during pregnancy.    

1.  Exercise can help to reduce the length of labor and recovery time.  The right exercise routines will also increase stamina that is needed for delivery.    

2.  Improved mental health.  Exercise can lower stress and improve your emotional health, making it easier for you to get through the  new experience of becoming a mother.    

3.  Exercise can also help with weight management after the child has been born.  A common concern with most mothers is the weight they lose after pregnancy.  During pregnancy, exercise can make postpartum weight loss easier.     4.  Exercise is very good for your unborn baby.  By keeping your body healthy, you are also looking out for your baby as well.     5.  Exercise can help reduce the side effects of pregnancy.  Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation are all common with pregnant women.  Studies have shown exercise to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.    

6.  Exercise can also decrease the risk of premature birth.  Exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of premature birth by at least 50%. 

You should always make sure that you drink plenty  of fluids before you exercise, follow a nutritious diet, and avoid over exertion.  You should also listen to your body, and if you start feeling sick you should immediately stop and rest. 

If you exercise during your pregnancy, you'll find it a lot easier to deliver when the time comes. Exercise will help your body strengthen up, which will make it very easy on you when you go into the delivery room.  Women who don't exercise find it much harder when the time comes to give birth. 

Exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your unborn baby.  Your baby will reap some of the benefits, which is reason enough to exercise.  Always be safe when you exercise, and don't hesitate to ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions at  all.  As long as you exercise safe and use good common sense, you'll do a world of good for  your pregnancy

Ever gone through a workout and afterwards said, "That was great, except I forgot to work my triceps," or "I should have done a set of leg lifts," etc.? Here’s a workout that will have you thinking, "Why haven't I done this routine before?" The following 7-exercise workout will take care of every major muscle area.

1. Hamstring Flexion with Ball

The hamstring flexion is a great exercise to strengthen your hamstrings and calves, and improve your stability in your core. To start, lie on your back and place the Swiss ball underneath your feet with your arms to your side. Raise your hips off the ground until your body is a straight line on an incline. Then, roll the ball towards you with the bottoms of your feet, which will cause your knees to shoot up. Roll the ball as far underneath as you can, then roll it back out and repeat. It’s important to do all the work with your legs and not to cheat by using your arms. Do two sets of 10-12 reps. 

2. Wall Squat with Ball

This exercise is an awesome workout for your quads and can also help with posture. To start, place the Swiss ball against a wall and lean against it with your back. Stand straight up with your legs shoulder-width apart and bent slightly at your knees. Then, lower straight down until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Stand up and repeat for 10-15 reps.

3. Swimming

This is a great workout for your lower back, one of the more neglected parts of the body. It requires no equipment so you can do it anywhere. Start by lying face down on the ground, with your hands and legs extended so you make a skinny X. Simultaneously lift your opposite arm and leg (right arm-left leg, left arm-right leg) 6-12 inches off the ground. Lower and lift the other arm-leg combination to the same height. Do two sets of 20-30 total reps, 10-15 of each combination. 

4. Crunches with Swiss ball

By exercising with the Swiss ball, your typical crunch has a little kick added to it. Start by sitting on the Swiss ball just a little forward from the top, with your feet in front of you on the ground and your knees at a 90-degree angle. Then, lie back until your back covers the ball. Place your hands to either the side of your head or across your chest, but not behind your head. Come up until your body is at a 45-degree angle with the ball. Release back down and repeat, 10-15 reps. 

5. Reverse Flys with Swiss Ball and Dumbbells

This is a great workout for the shoulders and upper back, areas that can be neglected. To start, sit on the top of a Swiss ball, holding the dumbbells to your side and your palms inward. Have your feet on the ground, your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and lean over until your chest is close to your legs. Keeping your arms straight, raise your hands up until they are perpendicular to the ground and even with your shoulders. Bring them back down and repeat 10-12 times for two sets. 

6. Dumbbell Lateral Raises

This exercise will work both your shoulders and arms, and dumbbells are required. Start by standing with your legs shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Then, raise your arms until they are even with your shoulders and perpendicular to the ground. Keep your elbows as straight as possible. Do two sets of 10-12 reps. 

7. Pushup with Swiss ball

This is the classic chest exercise, with a little bit of a twist. Start in the typical push-up position, facing the ground while your hands keep you off the ground, but place the Swiss ball under your knees. Then push up until your arms are straight, lower, and repeat. Do two sets, 10-15 reps.

Nothing beats waking up in the morning with the thought of going to the gym to lift weights or jog on the treadmill.  After a hard days work, the gym is one place you don't even want to think about.  Sometimes, even the thought of exercising at home with your own equipment can be less than desirable.

Sometimes, just trying to get and stay motivated to exercise on a regular basis can be a challenge.  No matter how you look at it, exercise can be downright boring and even tedious at times.  So, you may be wondering just how you can get the motivation you need to exercise on a regular basis.

 

If you've been wondering what you can do to make exercise more fun, you'll find some ideas below that just may help to make exercise more fun and a little bit easier.  First things first, you should exercise with a friend. You can challenge each other, help each other out, keep each other motivated and on track, make each other laugh or just make a game out of your exercise programs.

 

You can also try something different. If you go to the gym each and every day and use the same piece of equipment or use the same piece of equipment at home, you should try mixing things up. Reverse your routine or just change the order of your exercises. 

 

Go to a city park that has playground equipment and use the slide, climb on the monkey bars, do pull- ups, hang from your knees, just let your imagination guide you. You don't always need to follow a strict routine, just get out there and have fun working your muscles.

 

An outdoor circuit in the park is also something you can try.  There are some parks that have circuit courses set up with a planned course where all you have to do is walk or jog to each station and then follow the instructions. If there isn't a  planned course, then you should do a combination of jogging and walking, picking a distance of a  couple hundred feet.  Jog 100 feet then drop and do a couple of pushups, walk the next 100 feet  and then drop to do sit ups.

 

You can also ride a bike around your neighborhood or hike on a hiking trail.  A walk in the park or around your neighborhood is also a great way to get some exercise.  Doing yoga in the park or on a beach is also a nice and relaxing way to  exercise both your body and your mind.  Playing a competitive sport is also something you can try.  A lot of cities have team activities such as softball, volleyball, tennis, soccer,  and so on. 

 

These types of activities will not  only provide you with good exercise but they will also help you to meet new people as well.  When you exercise, try to picture your muscles getting bigger.  Research has shown that if you focus all of your thoughts on the muscles that you are working, they will respond better.  Try to watch them work with each repetition as your muscles contract and relax.

 

As you can tell, there are plenty of ways you can make exercise more fun and interesting.  You don't need to follow the same routine day after day, as you can do many other things to get in some exercise.  The important thing is that you should always try to incorporate exercise in any various form into your everyday life and make these habits the kind of habits that will last a lifetime.

There are two main types of exercise that you can do - aerobic and anaerobic.  The first one, aerobic, means with oxygen.  Aerobic type exercise has an important distinction, it burns fat as the main fuel.    Anaerobic on the other hand, burns sugar as the main source of fuel.  

 

Despite common myths, exercise doesn't have to be drastic in any way to provide massive benefits.  Even if you choose light exercise, you will still burn fat.  Light exercise will clear out lactic acid, which is a waste of the body, and stimulate your cells to regenerate.  To be sure that you are burning fat  rather than sugar, it's very important to make sure that you are doing several things as you exercise.  

 

The most important thing you can do as you exercise is breathe deep.  You should always breathe in deep into your stomach through your nose, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale hard through your mouth.  Second, you should make sure that you exercise at a comfortable level.  You should exercise at a level of 7 out of 10, and still be able to carry on a normal conversation while you exercise.  

 

You should do this for 45 minutes or so each day, then  you'll begin to notice just how much your energy will explode.  Even if you don't think you have the time to  exercise, rest assured that there is always time. If you have to, use the time that you would  normally spend sleeping.  With exercising, you'll actually need less sleep than before.  You can also use the time of your lunch break to exercise as well.  The increase in productivity will have you more on the ball, and you can save your time through the dramatic increase in your overall productivity.    

 

Cellularise, or rebounding, is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise there is.  If you have access to a rebounder, you shouldn't hesitate to use it.  Use any break you have at work to engage in some type of movement and deep breathing.  Any type of exercise you do will strongly benefit your heart.  It will make it a stronger and larger organ.  

 

Deep breathing will help your lungs  become stronger and larger as well.  There is research now that links exercise to helping benefit and almost prevent each and every type of disease or ailment.  Movement of the joints will promote proper blood flow and create energy, as sitting down all day will rob your body of much needed energy.  

 

If you  sit down all day, it's very important that you promote blood flow, circulation, energy, brain flow, and the strength of your heart.  With just a little bit of your time devoted to exercise, you'll find yourself healthier than you have ever been in the past.  

 

The human body is made up of over 75% of water, and as we all know, we cannot live without water.  The fact is, we can only survive for a total of 3 days without water.  

 

Water has however, been replaced in most diets by soft drinks and other sugar sweetened refreshments.  Keep in mind that water is a healthier and necessary for leading yourself towards a better health and longevity.  Your own personal need for water can vary greatly due to exercise, weight, and temperature. 

 

Research has proven that over 2/3 of adults don't get the water they need on a daily basis.  By drinking water on a regular basis you can replenish your body and keep it well hydrated and functioning as it should be.  A majority of us wait until we are thirsty before we drink water.  

 

Keep in mind, this way isn't a reliable gauge of the water needs for the body.  By the time you are thirsty you have already lost two of more cups of the body's water supply.  Therefore, drinking water regularly is much better than simply waiting until you are thirsty.  

 

It is very important that you don't substitute beverages with alcohol and caffeine for water.  The reason behind this is that those types of beverages act as a diuretic and can cause you to lose more weight through increased urination.  You may think and feel as if you are getting more water through these beverages, although the fact is that you are letting it go almost as fast as you consume it.  

 

Anytime you exercise, you need more water. Due to perspiration, your body will lose quite a bit of water.  For each pound lost due to exercise, you need to drink 2 cups of water.  Even when you lay down to sleep, your body loses water.  

 

By drinking a glass or more of water before you go to sleep, you can wake up with your body functioning as it should be.  It should become more obvious that when you are sick you'll need more water than any other tine.  

 

When you get a cold or the flu, your body can become dehydrated quite quickly.  You can help to prevent this by drinking more water at times when you become sick.  There are several mixed opinions as to whether purified water will actually provide benefit.  

 

This is a subject you should explore yourself as you determine the best type of water for yourself.   Always make it a habit to drink water on a daily basis.  You should keep a bottle of water with you at all times and drink it throughout the day.  

 

You should also teach yourself to drink water instead of other beverages that don't replenish the nutrients your body needs. 

The most common types of diabetes are known as Type 1 and Type 2. The Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in the sense that the body will stop producing insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is normally diagnosed in older adults and occurs as the body stops producing enough insulin or the individual becomes resistant to their own body insulin.

No matter what form of diabetes it is, you'll lose your ability to adequately utilize sugar. The blood sugar levels will increase due to the body's difficulty in transporting sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. There are several ways to lower your blood sugar levels, including diet, exercise, and medication.

As a whole, exercise is a very important part of diabetic management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Those that have Type 1 will find regular exercise helps to maintain insulin sensitivity, helps to prevent the accumulation of excess weight, and also increases the use of glucose by muscles. Although there is really no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes, it is possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

The things to consider when you attempt to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes are regular exercise supplementation with vitamins and herbs that will help to prevent insulin resistance and proper control of weight. Not only with exercise help directly with diabetic management by lowering blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity, but it will also help minimize several of the complications that can occur in a diabetic individual.

Research has shown that walking 30 minutes each day can diminish the possibility of developing Type 2 diabetes. Almost all diabetics tend to develop circulatory problems and exercise can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation throughout the body. Seeing as how people with diabetes tend to have poor blood flow to their lower areas and feet, better circulation is a great benefit.

Even though there are risks associated with exercise, the potential benefits will outweigh the risks. Exercise does indeed lower blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should measure their blood sugar both before and after they exercise.

Since your body uses more sugar while you exercise and makes you more sensitive to insulin, there is a risk of blood sugar becoming too low and causing hypoglycemia as a result. Whenever you exercise, it is important to let others know that you are diabetic. They should also be informed about what they should do in case of hypoglycemia.

To be on the safe side, you should always carry candy or fruit juice with you to treat low blood sugar when it occurs. During and after you have exercised, you should pay very close attention about how you feel, since rapid heart beat, increased sweating, feeling shaky, or hunger can signal that your blood sugar levels are getting too low.

With diabetic management and treatment, exercise is very important. Exercise will help with blood sugar control when the muscles use more glucose and the body becomes more sensitive to insulin. Exercise will also help to prevent and minimize common diabetic complications which include heart problems, high blood pressure, and circulatory deficiencies.

If you are a diabetic, exercise should be part of your daily routine. You should always exercise at a slow pace and never overdo it. Also, you should be sure to exercise around people you know or at a gym, so there will always be people around you in case something goes wrong.

Being a diabetic doesn't have to hinder your life or your performance, as exercise can help you get your life back on track and heading in the right direction - the healthy direction.

When you decide to stop smoking, you'll bring on other changes in your life as well.  Smoking is a very addictive habit, meaning that it is very hard  to quit.  There are a lot of changes that take place, although exercise can be a big help to you when you decide to quit.  Try to set a new routine, such as working out or going to the gym.

If that isn't possible, you  should try waking up earlier and going for a short walk.  If you can turn that walk into a run or a  jog, it is going to be very stimulating and the best way that you can start your day.  Keep in mind that exercise doesn't really mean  pumping metal.  If you don't have the time to stop by the gym every day, then it isn't really that big of a problem, as you can always choose to workout at home.  Whether you choose to workout at home or at a gym, you should always remember that regularity is the key.

It isn't getting started that's the difficult part, it's sticking to a regular exercise program that is difficult and proves to be stumbling block for most people.  Some people have a great start.  They will buy  track suits, gym wear, running shoes, and a lot of other gear, so their first day at the gym is almost like a celebration.  As the days go by,  they find it very difficult to meet the demands and their routine will slow down a lot and finally come to a complete exercise burnout.

One mistake that several people make is choosing the evenings to exercise.  If evenings fit your lifestyle, then it's fine.  For most people however, the evening hours are when they are completely pooped.  By the evening most of us are drained, and simply too tired for exercise.  Therefore, it is always best to set some time aside for exercise in the morning.  In the morning, wake up a half an hour or so  earlier, put on your shoes, and hit the road.  Most roads are less crowded in the morning and less polluted as well, making it a wonderful and relaxing way to start the day.  You should also steer clear from the coffee and try tea instead.  If you are moving around in the house, try playing music.  You can also redecorate your room by adding a few pictures around.

When you redecorate, you should get rid of everything  that reminds you of smoking.  Plan your day where you'll have something fun to  do at the end of the day.  It doesn't need to be something that involves money, as you don't want  to end up bankrupt.  Spending time with family, playing games, or going for a walk with your family are all good activities.  Watching television doesn't really fit into the list.  The reason is because television isn't  something that demands a lot of attention.  You can easily do something else while you are watching television.

You should also make a list of things that build up your stress and try to avoid them.  If it isn't possible, you should try to find out some some ways to bust stress and use them.  Whatever  you do, you shouldn't use stress as an excuse to start smoking.  There are many other methods that you can use to beat stress.  You can try breathing exercises, mediation, or even music.  Another great way to beat stress is using the distressing ball.  If you don't have one or access to one, you can always wiggle your fingers and toes.  This too is a great and natural method to beat stress.

Many us need to follow an exercise program, in order to remain healthy.  Below, you'll find several good reasons why you should start exercising now.  

1.  Contributes to fat loss

It is well proven from scientific research all over the world that physical exercise contributes to weight loss.  If you burn more calories than you consume through nutrition, you'll lose weight.  When you exercise, you burn more calories than when you don't.  It's really simple - the more you exercise, the more weight or fat you'll lose.

2.  Prevent disease 

The chances of developing several various diseases has been proven to decrease when exercising.  These diseases include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and the stroke.    Around 4 out of 5 deaths caused by heart disease and cancer, are linked to factors that include stress and lack of exercise.  We all know that diabetes increases the chance for heart attacks and strokes. What this shows, is that many of the risk factors and diseases caused by not exercising are working in conjunction to damage your health.  To prevent this from happening, start exercising.  

3.  Improving disease 

Many severe and minor diseases can be improved or even healed through regular exercise.  These even include the diseases listed above.  By following a regular plan, you can also decrease HDL  cholesterol levels, decrease triglyceride levels, and decrease your blood pressure as well.  Exercising on a regular basis will also reduce the risk of prostate cancer for men, breast and uterine cancer for women, and much more.  All of this is scientifically proven, which is why you should start exercising today.  

4.  Enhance your state of mind 

Everyone knows from the many scientific studies that regular exercising will lead to an increased release of endorphins in the body.  These chemicals will fight depression and make you feel happy.  The body releases these endorphins only 12 minutes into the workout.  There is another chemical known as serotonin that is increased during and after a workout.  The increased levels of serotonin in the central nervous system is associated with feelings of well being and decreased mental depression. The chemical  can also help you sleep better at night.

5.  Enhance your wellness 

When you are in great shape and well fit, you'll have more energy and you'll notice that your overall mood is improved.  You will have experienced that you can stretch beyond your own limits and you know that you can do more than you thought possible.  

6.  Persistence 

Exercising regularly will give you more energy,  which can help you be more productive at home and at work.  Exercising can help give your new goals a sense of purpose and give you something to focus on and aim for.  This can help you increase your persistence and prevent you from going off track while you aim for your goal.  

7.  Social capabilities 

After a workout on a regular basis you can boost your self esteem.  This can help you look better and you'll be more comfortable as well.  Exercise will also help you to become more active and meet new people, which will prevent you from feeling isolated and unsupported.  Exercise will also increase your interests in sex, and can help you to improve your marriage or your partner relationship.  

After knowing all of these tips and reasons to exercise, you shouldn't hesitate to get out there and exercise.  You can exercise at home or go out there and join a gym.  There are several different ways that you can exercise, all you have to do is select a few that you like.  Take a little bit of time out of your day and start exercising - you'll feel better than ever before and your body will thank you.

Fitness and exercise prevent disease. That is a proven fact, and yet more Americans than ever are suffering from obesity and type two diabetes are considered an epidemic in the United States. If you are overweight, and especially if you are obese, or if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, then listen to your doctor and begin a regular fitness and exercise program. You’ll be glad you did.

One of the benefits of fitness and exercise, as any physician will tell you, it that fitness and exercise help control blood sugar. A diabetic who takes medication daily may find that less medication is needed with a regular fitness and exercise program. Many diabetics who stay with fitness and exercise programs find that they are able to quit the medication and get their diabetes under control in a totally natural way.

Triglycerides are also too high for most Americans. High triglycerides are linked to heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. A great natural way to reduce your level of triglycerides is to simply begin and stick with a fitness and exercise program, while eating a sensible diet.

Triglycerides at too high a level are also linked to high blood sugar, and it is common for diabetics to have high triglyceride levels.Therefore, in this case fitness and exercisecan take care of two potential health risks at the same time.

Many people have marveled at the way being over weight has become an American way of life, and wondered what caused it. Many point to sedentary lifestyles, working in front of computers, and watching too much television. In addition, many Americans eat diets high in fat and carbohydrates. Whatever the root causes fitness and exercise is the way children in past generations have, playing games like baseball, basketball and jump rope.

Children who learn the benefits of fitness and exercise at an early age will go into adults, who enjoy fitness and exercise, lead healthier lifestyles and tend to live longer, healthier and obviously happier lives. can be a major part of the cure for this problem.

Engaging in physical activity, increasing the heart rate, and just getting active can help a person loose weight, control triglyceride levels and improve diabetes and should not be ignored. Parents should restrict time spent by children with video games or watching television and encourage them to engage in.

Parents should restrict time spent by children with video games or watching television and encourage them to engage in fitness and exercise the way children in past generations have, playing games like baseball, basketball and jump rope. Children who learn the benefits of fitness and exercise at an early age will go into adults, who enjoy fitness and exercise, lead healthier lifestyles and tend to live longer, healthier and obviously happier lives.