Why exercise?

Better Mood-Cranky? Get moving. Exercise makes you feel happier. When you work out, your body makes endorphins -- "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. You can actually start to feel better within a few minutes of moving. But the effects of regular exercise can last for a long time.

More Energy-You might not expect it, but using energy to exercise gives you more get-up-and-go. Sometimes when you're tired, the last thing you want to do is move. But when you exercise regularly, that fatigue goes away and you find yourself with a lot more pep.

Good Night's Sleep-Get regular exercise to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. The harder you exercise, the more likely you are to have a good night's sleep. It doesn't matter when you exercise, as long as you don’t have trouble sleeping. If you do have problems, though, work out earlier in the day.

More Confidence-You just walked a mile or ran your first 5K. Success like that can boost your self-esteem and make you ready to conquer anything. Exercise makes you feel good about yourself.

Less Stress-Exercise calms your body and your brain. When your body works hard, the levels of stress hormones -- like adrenaline and cortisol -- drop. Stress and anxiety fade away, especially after aerobic exercise.

More Productive-Want to be more efficient at work? Take a break and get some exercise. In one study, people who got moving in the middle of the day were much more productive when they went back to work. They also were happier and got along better with their co-workers.

Weight Control-Exercise and diet work together to keep your weight healthy. Whether you want to lose some inches around the waist or just avoid putting on extra pounds, exercise is the key. Try to work out 30 minutes most days of the week.

Long Life-Regular exercise can add years to your life. And that counts even if you're not a hard-core fitness buff. Just get moving. Even a little exercise can help you live longer than not exercising at all. The American Heart Association says each hour of exercise adds 2 hours to your life.

Strong Bones and Muscles-Your bones and muscles get stronger when you work out. It's especially important to do weight-bearing exercise, such as weight-lifting, tennis, walking, and dancing. This can help build bones as you get older. And it can help ward off osteoporosis and protect your balance and coordination.

Healthy Heart-It's no secret that exercise is great for your heart. Regular workouts lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood cholesterol levels, and help control and even prevent high blood pressure.

Healthy Heart-It's no secret that exercise is great for your heart. Regular workouts lower your risk of heart disease, improve your blood cholesterol levels, and help control and even prevent high blood pressure.

Lower Risk of Cancer-Regular exercise can cut your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, and lung. And people who have cancer have better quality of life when they exercise.

Less Arthritis Pain-If you have arthritis or any pain, or stiffness, regular exercise can help ease your pain. And it can make your daily activities easier. Try non-impact exercises like swimming. They can be easy on sore joints.

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I was just going to say that! LOL ;)

hahahahha I say that allot too! Now we know right? :0)

Obviously I can only speak for myself. The more I walk the more incoordination and stiffness I get. Advice to exercise does not seem to work for everyone.

I do lots and lots of walking, at least 2 to 3 hours a day with Buster my dog. I just love it

This is the first time I've read a post on hear and felt isolated, its all well and good talking about the benefits of exercise but for me it makes my ataxia worse (EA2). I find I can only do a very small amount of exercise before it brings on an attack!!

I really appreciate all the posts on here they are and have been incredibly helpful but I'm afraid this had the opposite effect.

Deb

Great advice, Jeannie, although truly sorry for those that have worse symptoms from exercise! Fortunately, I find it beneficial in so many ways! ;o)