this is from a handout i got at my fitness instructors training class. it was alittle more involved but these are the major points. it is interesting to note that there are only two that are visually noticeable, the ons we usually concern ourselves about. but whole bunch of stuff is happening in your body that you may not even be aware of.

1. reduces the risk of dyingprematurely
2. reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
3. decreases resting heart rate (reduces daily wear and tear)
4. keeps resting blood pressure normal
5. improves heart efficiency (less effort doing daily things)
6. decreases body fat
7. hdl cholesterol increase and ldl decreases
8. lowers risk of developing diabetes
9. promotes joint stability
10. increases muscular strength
11. strengthens bones
12. increases muscle mass and decreases body fat (burn more calories at rest and improves physique)
13. increases resting metabolism
14. improves core strength
15. improves back strength
16. improves balance and coordination and agility
17. improves body image and self-esteem
18. reduces depresssion and anxiety

if you have any to add that would be great.
gen

thanks for sharing!!

Michelle

Cardio exercise also helps increases your lung capacity and ability to extract oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for fuel/fat burning, just as it is in a wood fire. The more oxygen available to your system, the more fat can be burned.

Since losing weight through both totally overhauling my nutrition and incorporating regular exercise, my doc reports the following:
* Before losing weight, my blood sugar had been high, and now it's great
* Before losing weight, my cholesterol (including LDL) had been high, and now it's LOW
* Before losing weight, my blood pressure had been high, and now it's in the low average/absolutely normal range
* My risk for heart disease is now "below average"
* I tested negative for any kind of thyroid stuff
* I have no insulin resistance or diabetes...and I was definitely trending that way before

Those are just the quantifiable medical improvements as reported by my doctor. I would add to the list of improvements the following:
* My cardiovascular health and endurance have improved immeasurably as demonstrated by my increased capabilities in exercise and daily activity
* My energy has increased a thousandfold
* I sleep better
* My skin tone is drastically improved
* My agility and strength are drastically improved, as is my balance
* I'm more mentally alert and lucid
* I look 10 years younger
* My mobility is markedly different, since I'm so much smaller (I've gone from a size 26/28 to a 16/18 at the time of this writing)
* My self-confidence, demeanor and self-esteem are so different
* I'm much more flexible and graceful than I was 66 pounds ago
* My emotional outlook is drastically improved
* I have more fun and smile and laugh a lot more

Just wanted to share some of my improvements thus far..... Gen, my dear!

That is awesome, Sarah!!!

One thing I have noticed about this whole journey and about making this "work" through lifestyle changes and a lifelong commitment is that it is about total health...the physical stuff is a nice side effect. It is easy in that it is simple math: burn more than you take in. It is also hard in that it is lots of head games, guilt, etc....But the reality is that our bodies are incredible gifts and if we nurture them with healthy habits then they will serve us well for a long, long time.

Great lists, guys!

Thanks!

My favorite benefits of exercise?

Great posture (this from a formally very pigeon toed FC)
Stress relief
A pretty darn good body
Improved confidence
All the health stuff (my blood pressure is finally below 120/80 and is now something like 110/68)
Increased body awareness
Fat loss
More Muscle
Not wanting to overeat since it impedes exercise

Cheers!

Ali