Basic Pursuits

In writing about motivation to exercise, John Wesley at PicktheBrain lists 10 reasons to work out that have nothing to do with a sexy bod. Good job.

All of his reasons are good, but I still insist on focusing on the biggest reason why people maintain a long term exercise habit. It's simple. They do it because it makes them feel better. Whether they have more testosterone, or sleep better, or gain self confidence, whatever, they feel better.

Science is learning that exercise is holistic. It has more to do with well-being than simply improving aerobic capacity.

People who are sedentary experience immediate and measurable gains in energy levels when they embark on a low intensity exercise program. Low intensity means in this instance a leisurely 20-minute walk three times a week. Low intensity exercisers reported a 20 percent reduction in levels of fatigue and a 65 percent increase in energy levels.

Brad Isaac learned something from Jerry Seifeld, "...that would benefit me a lifetime."

Exercise will not solve all your problems, but it will make many, if not most, of your problems easier to solve. You know that; I know that. Even so, sometimes we need reminding.

In 21 Powerful Reasons To Exercise emedexpert.com gives us a great, well thought-out list of why we should start to exercise and continue to exercise. Though we've all seen these reasons, it's great to have the them in a single source.

21 Powerful Reasons To Exercise

Writer Leo Babauta at Zen Habits captured my heart with a number of his 17 Fitness Truths To Get You in Great Shape.

The entire article is a good read and I recommend it. From my experience and observing that of others, I found the following particularly resonated with me.

There is an absolutely rock-solid strategy employed by people who are successful in the basic pursuit of exercise.