Exercise is a great habit to get into. However, when the word exercise comes up suddenly every chore in the house that needs to be done has to be done immediately instead of going to the gym.

Many times we find every possible thing to do to make an excuse to not get into the gym and exercise. Hours later when you finally get to the gym, you may find that you don’t want to leave because your blood is flowing, heart rate is elevated, and suddenly your in a much better mood than you were before you took that first step into the gym.

Exercise may be the last thing that you feel like doing, but with the proven health benefits of exercise it is something we should all be participating in. Just thirty minutes a day of cardio in your target heart rate three to five times a week is all you need to see some health benefits.

Along with cardiovascular benefits, strength training has also been proven to show many health benefits.

Below are just a few of the many proven health benefits that exercise can help you achieve:

1)Exercise promotes better sleep.

Rather than taking many pills or liquids to help you sleep better at night, it has been proven that regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and get into deep REM sleep throughout the night. The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep are limitless. Productivity, concentration and mood can be improved by simply incorporating exercise into your daily life styles. Exercising before bedtime can cause an opposite reaction- not allowing you to fall asleep as fast; so if your having trouble falling asleep try working out earlier in the day.

2)Exercise combats chronic disease.

Physical exercise may be the ticket you’re looking for if you want to prevent heart disease or osteoporosis. A regular exercise program can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even certain types of cancer.

3)Exercise improves your mood.

After a stressful day, who couldn’t stand to blow off a little steam before arriving home to the family? A workout at the gym or even a 30 minute walk on the treadmill can help to you to calm down. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. Exercising can also boost confidence and improve self- esteem. Regular physical activity can even help to prevent depression.

4)Exercise helps to manage weight.

Whether you are looking to put on a few pounds of muscle or take off a few pounds of fat, exercise is the answer! The more intense your workout the more you will burn -which will in turn help you to manage your weight.

Implementing these 4 techniques will provide you with the motivation to begin an exercise program. Think of how much better you will feel, how much more confidence and energy you will have to perform your daily tasks! Don’t wait another day to start feeling and looking your best!

Daniel J. Montet is a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Director at Snap fitness in Abbeville. He is currently accepting personal training clients along with Kid-Fit summer boot camp participants for boys and girls ages 7-12 starting Monday, July 19 thru Friday, July 23. For more information, Daniel can be reached at 337-254-8700 or d_montet@yahoo.com.