Chapter 24
Ten Great Reasons
to Break a Sweat
In This Chapter
Decreasing your risk of medical problems
Keeping your weight in check
Looking good
Appreciating the psychological benefits of exercise
Enjoying the social benefits of working out
Being more productive at work
Helping your family
Quenching your competitive thirst
Having fun
Enjoying life
You already know that exercise is important; otherwise, you would have
spent your money on Twinkies instead of this book. But when you start
a workout program, it’s always helpful to remind yourself why — why you’re
hoisting hunks of steel when you could be lifting beer cans, why you’re creat-
ing more laundry for yourself by sweating up your gym clothes.Even if you’re already a committed exerciser, you probably have moments
when your best intentions are stifled by excuses not to work out. You’re too
tired or too busy, or the dog ate your dumbbells — we’ve heard ’em all (and
used a few ourselves). Any time you experience one of these moments, flip to
this chapter. Better yet, make a copy and tape it to your fridge. One glance
at this list, and you’ll snap right out of your funk.Exercise won’t prevent ingrown toenails or freeway congestion or the prolifer-
ation of bad reality TV shows, but as we explain in this chapter, the simple
act of moving your body can work wonders. Here are ten great reasons to
work out.