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Monica Neave
BellaOnline's Exercise Editor

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The Real Reason to Exercise

Your reasons to exercise are just like everyone else's. Lose weight, fit into your clothes, look better, and feel better. Those are all great reasons but they won't keep you going long term. Here's the real reason to exercise that will get you hooked for life and get you to look fabulous in your birthday suit too.

The Real Brain Body Connection Optimal brain function requires lots of blood flow, adequate nutrients, the right chemical balance, and the ability to generate new cells and connections in the brain and exercise is one of the primary ways to improve in all these areas. In his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain Dr. John Ratey explains that "thinking is the internalization of movement" and that exercise is critical to brain function. It's also the best treatment for depression, stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and so much more. There just aren't any other reasons to exercise that will get you going as much as these.

If you really think about it most people's top exercise excuses include fatigue, stress, and lack of motivation so it only makes sense that just being more active is a great way to increase energy, reduce stress, and boost motivation. The trick is getting past this catch 22 and getting started.

Here are 3 ways around this catch 22:

1. Use the less is more approach. Start with 5-10 minutes a day of super easy exercise. No pressure to do anything complicated. This builds the habit and boost feel good endorphins that makes your body and brain want more.

2. Use the positive reinforcement strategy. Link exercise to fun by having a friend join in, playing great music, or by turning it into an adventure. Associating exercise with fun makes it easier to stick to long term.

3. Use the rewards program to stick to it. Reward yourself in healthy ways for sticking to your exercise plan. This is an old trick but a very reliable one because that's just how humans are wired.

Read more about exercise, the brain, and motivation in: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Get started with the Quick Fatloss Program from freeworkoutsguide.com

Get Lean Workout 30 min. Circuit
Eat to Lose: Healthy Eating Guide
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Content copyright © 2009 by Monica Neave. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Monica Neave. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Monica Neave for details.

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