You probably know all the excuses for not exercising. Unfortunately, these excuses often outweigh every motivation you have to go to the gym, climb on your bike, or jog around the block. So when you start thinking up excuses, remember these benefits of working out. Some are obvious, others are less so. But they'll all help you battle the excuses.

Increased Athleticism Better Posture Fat Loss Improved Heart Health

Heightened Self Image Social Benefits Intellectual Gains Enjoyment

Increased Athleticism

Fitness results in better coordination of muscles, and an increase in strength, flexibility and stamina. While improvements in these areas certainly help athletic performance, they also help reduce the risk of injury: Stronger, limber muscles are less susceptible to strain and sprain.

Better Posture

Poor posture is a major cause of injury, and often leads to big problems later in life. Exercising in proper form promotes better posture, as well as the strengthening and stretching of muscles that help you stand up straight.

Fat Loss

Aerobic and strengthening exercises can result is weight loss when combined with a calorie-reducing diet. Without exercise, dieting can cause the loss of muscle as well as fat. An aerobic exercise regimen burns fat, while building muscle. This may mean less dramatic weight loss, but since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, the result is longer lasting.

Improved Heart Health

Though the symptoms of heart disease may not surface until middle age, the onset of disease can start taking place as early as the teens. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week can reverse years of cardio-neglect. In fact, consistent, regular exercise actually strengthens the heart, resulting in more blood and oxygen flow throughout the body. At the same time, aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both major health risks for many Canadians.

Heightened Self Image

A fitness regimen offers many psychological benefits, but the biggest payoff comes from an improved self image. Achieving fitness goals leads to self confidence, improved body image, self awareness and esteem. Athletes often recount the first time they surpassed what they believed the limit of their skills, and how this affected their opinions of themselves. In addition, the discipline necessary to accomplish personal fitness goals can have a positive effect on your professional career.

Social Benefits

Many diet fads claim radical social benefits with a "better body." While it's shallow and potentially disappointing to expect a trim figure will change your life, people involved in activities they enjoy and who have a positive self image often show an ease in social situations. Ultimately, it's the betterment of your confidence, not your waistline, that leads to improved social life.

Intellectual Gains

The reasons aren't entirely understood, but several theories promote the effects of discipline and self confidence gained through working out. Fitness also helps the immune system, meaning better work performance, and fewer missed days of work and school. Exercise increases blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, including the brain. This may explain why studies have shown that those who exercise react more quickly to stimulus than their less fit counterparts, pointing to a possible link between motor and intellectual skills.

Enjoyment

You may forget that the most important reason for fitness is because you enjoy it. People often mention weight control, feeling "better," and gaining strength as priorities for working out. But you won't lose weight, get strong, or feel "better" if you can't find motivation to exercise. One way to increase enjoyment is to try several different things, or find a new workout location. Following some simple fitness do's and don'ts will help keep your workout from becoming a chore.