It’s the new year, and many of you have made your annual pledge “to exercise more”. Well, before you break the promise yet again, here’s an inspiring list of the benefits that exercise can do for you — much more than just helping you to lose weight.

The Wall Street Journal has a great new review (The Hidden Benefits of Exercise – WSJ.com) discussing the multiple benefits of exercise. One fascinating series of randomized controlled trials showed a decrease in the severity of the common cold, at rates that improved with increasing amounts of exercise. Many other studies have shown this; so clearly there is an immune-boosting function to exercise.

Of course, there are many other aspects of exercise; it lowers heart disease, diabetes, and risk of some cancers as well as Alzheimers. Plus, it clearly lowers risk of depression.

Don’t forget, as I’ve mentioned before, to remember the magic number 150. That’s the amount of minutes per week (aka 2 1/2 hours) of moderate exercise that is recommended to get these health benefits.

This article is a great review and an easy read, and hopefully will get you out of your seat!