"Get Fit"

Good Morning all!! Today is the first day of Spring...Woohoo!! For some reason every year when Spring hits I get this second wind you could say...AKA..I want to exercise..and be more fit.. Maybe it's my emergence from a hibernation type state of the long winter..You know that feeling like you've been resting way too long..eating too many sweet treats, and enjoying too many cozy meals all winter.. On the news you have all these Springtime Get Fit Challenges and truthfully their right!! We all know it!! The question is weather or not we want to listen. My friend recently went through a life changing experience..one that definitely changed her. She has quit smoking after many years.. Kudos to Her!! I'm proud of you!! And she has decided to eat better and exercise when she is able too..post surgery..Usually once spring hits I get out and walk more...work in the yard..Mann nothing beats a long day of yard work.. The next day you feel like a bus hit you, but you also know you got a excellent workout.. Even going to the gym..doesn't give me that type of workout. I guess the old saying that a hard days work is all you need..is true! I want to exercise more..feel better..and have more energy.. This is my challenge!

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out these seven ways exercise can improve your life.

No. 1: Exercise controls weight

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don't need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can't do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.

No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

No. 3: Exercise improves mood

Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

No. 4: Exercise boosts energy

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.