10 reasons to exercise now

6. A disease prevention tool
Inactivity can lead to several medical ailments and when you think of exercise as an essential part of disease prevention, your next workout offers a multi-tasking way to stay healthy. According to a statement from the American Heart Association's council on clinical cardiology, "Exercise reduces the risk of...chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and cancer of the breast and colon."

7. An energy boost
When you embark on a regular exercise program, one of the first and best feelings you'll experience is increased energy throughout your day. When you exercise, more oxygen circulates to your brain and that gives you a natural energy boost.

8. A confidence-builder
Your self-esteem improves as you take charge of your choices with physical activity. With each minor goal set and achieved, you gain motivation. Benchmark your start points and acknowledge your achievements. Eventually, you'll love the way you feel and the way you look.

9. A cholesterol controller
Dr. Jason Lee, a naturopathic doctor from Oakville, Ont. explains that exercise heightens HDL (high-density lipoprotein, "healthy") cholesterol and lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein, "lousy") cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. "Bad" cholesterol (a thick waxy substance) is a threat because it sticks to your arteries and shrinks the pathway blood flows through. This can put a lot of stress on your heart and lead to heart attack or stroke. As part of your cholesterol-controlling initiatives, The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Visit their website to see their 8-step cholesterol-lowering plan.

10. A fun social game
Add some variety to your day with new, refreshing activities. Head to local trails for walks and talks with friends and family. Dance to your favorite music, try a yoga or tai chi class or work in a team sport such as soccer, hockey or volleyball. And when it's time to congratulate yourself on a fitness milestone, reward yourself with new, attractive workout clothes that'll motivate you to wear them and keep exercising.

As you embark on another year with good intentions to stay fit, remember that the benefits of regular activity are immense; so when you sense your motivation is weakening, and strengthen it by referring back to this list.

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