The Whole You October 2016 | Page 9

Stronger Muscles Strength is something you use every day. Strength also builds stamina; strong leg muscles allow you to walk longer, climb more stairs or safely lift a child. Strong back muscles allow for lawn mower starting, pain free movement, setting up your Christmas tree, or even putting away your groceries. Everyday life requires strength and the more strength in your muscles, the more you can do. Bone Density Bone density is something not many people think about until it's cause for concern. Weight bearing exercise puts stress on your bones and makes them stronger. Weak bones lead to osteoporosis which increases the risk for bone fractures. Weak bones will also delay the healing if a fracture were to occur. Strong muscles and bones can go together to create an easier and, hopefully, injury free life. Increased Energy Levels Although it sounds like it would be the opposite, most people experience an increase in energy with exercise. This may not be the case for the first couple of sessions, but after that exercise can give you more energy and a feeling of accomplishment which improves mood. Mental health concerns such as depression are also improved with exercise. Improving your mood very frequently improves your energy level. The same holds true for some forms of pain, PMS and other situations where the body feels drained. Although most people think of exercise as a way to reduce or maintain weight, there are a good deal of other reasons to make exercise a part of life. Hopefully, this will encourage you to add a bit of exercise to your life, even if you are at your ideal weight. Alicia McMane Alicia is a personal trainer who is very active in her local community. She is the embodiment of active living and shares her passion with her family.