Why exercise?

'I do not understand why people put themselves through all that pain'... someone at work said to me today, as I was struggling to lift the kettle to make myself a coffee.

I suddenly found myself having to justify so much pain, which made me think and in a split second I remembered. Why do I go through all that effort? I spend days with aching muscles. I crave food more than ever and try not to over indulge. My friends think I am insane... So why do I exercise?

Different people have different reasons, for me the reasons go beyond of what you can see right now. My reasons are not just so I can lift the 15kg bag of dog food into the back of the car, or being able to walk for hours without feeling tired, or to have a good dance and being able to out-dance most young people! My reasons are to do with longevity of a good quality of life.

There are plenty of articles on the net and research papers that show that as a nation (even the whole of society) we are living longer. Living longer has its downsides, as many illnesses that are related to old age will increase. Also, as a society we have lived a very sedentary lifestyle. This will also increase the probability of developing these illnesses and many more related to obesity. So we might be living longer, but not necessarily a longer healthy life.

Exercising will decrease the probability of you getting these illnesses. Obviously it is not a guarantee just like life is not a guarantee, but if you want to have the best chance to grow old walking on your own or being able to wash yourself and going to the toilet without someone helping you, then I say lets give exercise a chance!

There are plenty of articles that talk about the benefits of exercise and ageing, you just need to look at the major newspapers to find countless articles on medical research. A quick Google search will give you plenty of results of articles you can read.

As we become older, our muscles start to deteriorate and although exercise does not stop it, it certainly slows it down. Also gives you strength, so when you are older you will have a better posture and be able to move independently and at ease.

Also, the other major reason why I started to exercise has been the effect that has on the brain. Exercise helps your brain stay sharp and focused, not only during the time when you are young but also as you get older. You are in fact, investing into a healthy mind for later life, diminishing the chances of getting dementia.

Who on earth wants to be living longer in a wheelchair unable to remember their loved ones? If by investing in some sweat and pain you can reduce this probability to a minimum, what is stop you from exercising?