pa href=http://hayesjeff.typepad.com/.a/6a00e00986beda883301156f8d9572970b-pi style=FLOAT: rightimg alt=3286962981_e24b050511 class=at-xid-6a00e00986beda883301156f8d9572970b src=http://hayesjeff.typepad.com/.a/6a00e00986beda883301156f8d9572970b-320wi style=MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 5px //a We all know the basic reason that people start a diet and exercise program.#0160; The number one reason people change their life style is to lose weight – or nip small gains in the bud.#0160; But there are plenty of other benefits from working out that don’t have anything to do with the numbers on a scale or how your clothes fit.#0160; /p pCan you name seven other a href=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676 target=_blankbenefits of working out?/a/p p1)#0160;Exercise improves your mood – Exercise stimulates chemicals in the brain which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.br /2)#0160;Exercise combats chronic diseases – Exercise can help you manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.br /3)#0160;Exercise helps you manage your weight – This one is pretty self explanatory…the more calories you burn, the easier it is to manage your weightbr /4)#0160;Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs – Exercise helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.br /5)#0160;Exercise promotes better sleep – A boost in activity can provide a better night sleep….especially if you wake up at 5am!br /6)#0160;Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life – Exercise improves circulation, which can lead to more satisfying sex!br /7)#0160;Exercise can be fun – Whether it be rolling around in the park or hiking with your kids, exercise can be a fun group or family activity./p pAnyone would agree that all of these are great benefits of working out.#0160; And most of them are pretty easy to believe.#0160; But how does exercising actually make you a href=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,197466,00.html target=_blankhappier/a?#0160; /p pThere are two hormones in the body that with exercise affect a person’s mood.#0160; Cortisol is a hormone the body produces when anxious, stressed, angry or afraid.#0160; When working out burns cortisol and in turn our mood increases.#0160; The second hormones are endorphins.#0160; Exercise stimulates the pituitary gland to release endorphins.#0160; These endorphins then attach themselves on receptors that normally send pain-signaling molecules to other parts of the brain.#0160; No wonder everyone at BTB is so happy!/p pAside from losing weight or going down a size, what other changes have you noticed in yourself since you started working out?#0160; br //p