Benefits of Regular Exercise: Weight Control

Because exercise helps use up oxygen, it causes your body to burn stored fat and helps you maintain a normal weight. For instance, if you walk 4 miles a day, four times a week, you can burn about 1,600 calories, or nearly half a pound a week. If you don't change your diet at all and keep walking the same distance over six months, you'll lose 12 pounds. Walk the same distance for a year and you'll drop 24 pounds!
The neat thing about exercise is you don't have to do it all at one time. After all, not many teens have time to walk 4 miles after school! But you can do 4 miles in short bursts throughout your day. Here's an idea of how to work that much exercise into your daily regimen:
• Take a 1-mile walk on a treadmill before school. Then, take a 1-mile walk around the track during school lunch period.
• Take a 1-mile walk after school with friends or the family dog.
• Take a 1-mile walk on the treadmill while watching your favorite show before dinner.
If you stay with the walking program, you'll see benefits with:
• Weight loss
• Muscle strengthening and definition
• Stronger bones
• A lower heart rate
• Better mood
• An improved complexion