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What Exercise Can Do For You! By Lisa A. Leonard Do you need some motivation to get off the couch and begin exercising? Maybe you have started and stopped your workout routine so many times that you cannot keep track of the number. Well guess what? You are not alone. Statistically, that would make you the average American, so don't get disheartened. Nevertheless, working out for the sake of health and well-being is becoming increasingly important as we continue to learn of the effects of inactivity. I encourage you to print this page and put it somewhere you can see it. Begin each of the following statements with "If I exercise today, I will be able to…" And see just how inspired you can become to get out there and get moving. "If I exercise today, I will be able to…" Increase and maintain bone densityand prevent osteoporosis. Improve mental acuity & make better decisions. Reduce and prevent the risk of various cancers (including colon, breast, uterine), stroke, diabetes, heart attack, heart disease and arthritis. Live a stress-free life. Improve the overall quality of my life. Become more agile and feel "lighter." Become happier, and have a better outlook. Take anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more off my age, in terms of my appearance, and the way I feel. Improve blood circulation and oxygen to my vital organs. Eat the foods I love (in moderation) without gaining weight. Experience a new sense of well-being. Increase energy and endurance levels. Live longer, healthfully. Experience physical and mental rejuvenation. Feel good about my body & improve my self esteem. Attain permanent weight management. Improve skin tone and color. Smooth cellulite and improve skin texture. Eliminate depression. Strengthen, repair and boost immune function. Lower blood pressure. Improve vision and hearing. Slow the aging process. Improve sexual performance and restore libido. Improve hair growth and luster. Improve the quality of sleep. Improve my overall general health. Do you have a personal benefit of exercise that we have missed? Share your own inspiration to be included in a future issue of Fitnews.