You’re more likely to stop smoking. People who exercise vigorously
while trying to kick the habit are twice as likely to stay away from ciga-
rettes as wannabe ex-smokers who don’t work out. And those who exer-
cise as they try to quit smoking gain only about half the weight that
non-exercisers do.
You increase your volume of plasma.Regular exercise increases the
liquid component of your blood, thereby thinning your blood and reduc-
ing your risk of developing dangerous clots.
You lessen the symptoms of PMS. Exercise may reduce the bloating,
lower-back pain, headaches, and anxiety that often accompany premen-
strual syndrome. And regular exercisers may be less likely to experience
PMS at all.
You may give birth more quickly.Research suggests that fit women
have labors one-third shorter than women who don’t exercise, although
the evidence isn’t conclusive. Fit women also have a lower risk of prema-
ture labor and low-birth-weight babies, and they have less post-partum
depression.
You ease symptoms of menopause.Highly active menopausal women
are significantly less likely to experience hot flashes than their sedentary
counterparts. Menopausal exercisers also seem to experience a mood
boost after an aerobic workout.
You strengthen your bones.Both men and women start losing bone
mass between ages 30 and 40. Lifting weights can not only halt the
decline but in some cases can reverse it, drastically reducing your risk
for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing activities like walking and running also
help keep your bones strong.
You build up bone density for the future. Young exercisers amass a
reserve of bone mineral that may reduce their risk of developing the
weak bones that plague their grandparents. A study of elite tennis play-
ers found that even after the athletes cut back on their competition, the
bone density they had gained earlier remained.
You’re less likely to get a stress fracture.A study of military recruits
found that those with below-average leg strength were five times likelier
to develop stress fractures(tiny bone fractures) and other overuse
injuries during nine weeks of basic training.
You’re less prone to carpal tunnel syndrome.If you strengthen your
wrist and arm muscles, you’re less likely to develop this condition,
common among people who do repetitive-motion tasks such as typing
and scanning items at the grocery checkout stand.
You can relieve arthritis pain. Not only can arthritis patients safely
participate in exercise programs, but they often are rewarded for their
efforts with pain relief and increased mobility.
Chapter 24: Ten Great Reasons to Break a Sweat ......................................................
