The overall benefit of being active and fit is an improved quality of life. This means you will be able to do things you enjoy for longer periods of time like playing with the kids, gardening, dancing, or walking. You will also live longer to be around for your children and family members to spend time with.

Being fit improves your overall health and reduces your risk of disease. It helps your entire body. Being fit improves the way your lungs work, helps prevent and control diabetes and is good for your heart. It also helps your self confidence and of course it makes your clothes fit better! Exercise can improve self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression and lessen mood swings.

There are long term and short term benefits of keeping in shape include:

Short term benefits:

• A healthier heart.
• Healthy muscles, bones, and joints.
• Increased burning of calories.
• Increased energy.
• Improved ability to fall asleep with a good night's rest
• Increased mental thinking.
• Reduced feelings of depression and anxiety.

Long Term benefits:

• Reduced risk of dying early.
• Reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
• Reduced risk of dying after a heart attack.
• Reduced risk of becoming obese.
• Reduced risk of gaining high blood pressure.
• Reduced risk of a stroke.

I have also noticed that when I am in shape I feel much less tired and more awake! I definitely feel more lazy when I am out of shape. I guess maybe that is why it is hard for some people to get into shape when they are out of shape... when you feel lazy, it is that much more harder to get yourself motivated!

Don't forget a reason for getting fit is to snag someone else who's fit so you can stay fit together and enjoy life more as a couple and keep each other accountable. A family that plays together and works out together, stays together!