I was asked, “Why exercise?” My response was an equally simple question: “Why wouldn’t you?”

The benefits of exercise in moderation are far reaching and endless. The American Heart Association lists benefits of daily physical activity. They classify activity as: walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics, ballroom, tap or jazz dancing and skiing, among other things. The key, in their view, is that you perspire moderately, breathe a little heavier without being out of breath and have some fatigue in the muscle groups used. They agree with the train smarter, not harder method of using your pulse rate as an indicator of the effort being used.

Their list of benefits includes:

• Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation.

• Helps keep weight under control.

• Improves blood cholesterol levels.

• Helps prevent and manage high blood pressure.

• Helps prevent bone loss.

• Boosts energy levels.

• Helps manage stress.

• Releases tension.

• Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well.

• Improves self-image.

• Counters anxiety and depression, and increases enthusiasm and optimism.

• Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities.