Few of us are natural athletes. Most will never become NFL quarterbacks, Wimbledon tennis champions, or Olympic figure skaters. So, why bother with exercise? Why spend time running around, jumping around, and getting hot, sweaty, and bored? What's the payoff? For a start:

• Aerobic exercise does good things for your cardiovascular system and is an important part of weight management.
• Muscular conditioning can improve strength and posture, reduce the risk of lower back injury, and is also an important component of a weight management program.
• Flexibility exercise is needed to maintain joint range of motion and reduce the risk of injury and muscle soreness.
• Exercise also increases your sensitivity to insulin, reducing the risk of Diabetes 2.
• Stronger muscles increase your stability, which protects your joints and increases bone mineral density.
• Exercise increases stamina and endurance, builds stronger muscles, helps you maintain stability, and stretches your joints, muscles and ligaments.

All these benefits can make everyday life easier. A stronger body means less injury from falls, less joint pain, and a healthier body composition.

Exercise Makes You Happy
What’s more, according to a study released by researchers at the Duke University Medical Center, exercise can be beneficial in helping to eliminate symptoms of depression.

In this study, 156 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) were assigned to three groups: exercise, medication, or a combination of medication and exercise. Results showed that after 16 weeks, all groups show similar-and significant-improvement in measurements of their depression, including the group that exercised without the benefit of prescribed medication.

"One of the conclusions we can draw from this is that exercise may be just as effective as medication and may be a better alternative for certain patients," says psychologist and study leader Dr. James Blumenthal. "These findings could change the way some depressed patients are treated, especially those who are not interested in taking antidepressants. Although these medications have been proven to be effective, many people want to avoid the side effects or are looking for more "natural" way of feeling better."

Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic dancing, walking or any of dozens of other activities can help your heart. They all cause you to feel warm, perspire and breathe heavily without being out of breath and without feeling any burning sensation in your muscles. Whether it is a structured exercise program or just part of your daily routine, all exercise adds up to a healthier heart.

Here are some tips for exercise success:

• If you've been sedentary for a long time, are overweight, have a high risk of coronary heart disease or some other chronic health problem, see your doctor for a medical evaluation before beginning a physical activity program.
• Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety. Develop a repertoire of several activities that you can enjoy. That way, exercise will never seem boring or routine.
• Wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear, and comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather and the activity.
• Find a convenient time and place to do activities. Try to make it a habit, but be flexible. If you miss an exercise opportunity, work activity into your day another way.
• Use music to keep you entertained.
• Surround yourself with supportive people. Decide what kind of support you need. Do you want them to remind you to exercise? Ask about your progress? Participate with you regularly or occasionally? Allow you time to exercise by yourself? Go with you to a special event, such as a 10K walk/run? Be understanding when you get up early to exercise? Spend time with the children while you exercise? Try not to ask you to change your exercise routine?
• Share your activity time with others. Make a date with a family member, friend or co-worker. Be an active role model for your children.
• Don't overdo it. Do low- to moderate-level activities, especially at first. You can slowly increase the duration and intensity of your activities as you become more fit. Over time, work up to exercising on most days of the week for 30-60 minutes.
• Keep a record of your activities. Reward yourself at special milestones. Nothing motivates like success!

Xxtra Fitness Nutritionals™

January is Xxtra Fitness Nutritionals Month!
Xxtra Fitness Nutritionals Boost All Stages of Physical Activity

ENERGY
Before Your Workout

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

2008 Unicity Women’s Summit—
Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued
Less frenzied and more fulfilled: How to achieve balance and enjoyment from a hectic life.

All women Franchise Owners and female guests are invited to participate in the 2008 Unicity Women’s Summit, February 8 – 9, 2008, at Unicity Corporate Headquarters in Orem, Utah. Enjoy our community of Franchise Owners just like you, and take in the beautiful Rocky Mountain winter weather—in fact, the weather is a wonderful teacher of the power of balance!

When the weather pattern is balanced, there's peace. When it's not, there's storminess and chaos. It's as simple as that. The real tragedy is that too many of us miss this lesson and therefore lead stressed, unhealthy, and unfulfilled lives with no focus on balance and miss what life can be.

• Learn about physical, emotional, professional, and relationship balance
• Gain skills to improve each area of your life
• Network with women just like you
• Learn from those who are succeeding at what you’re doing
• Learn about new products to help you look and feel your best
• Meet with Unicity executives
• Be the first to learn about exciting new 2008 Unicity announcements

Life balance isn’t a problem to be solved; it’s an issue that you can learn to manage in order to lead an enjoyable, prosperous, and fulfilling life in 2008!