By Vaughn Gray,   updated 10/14/08

Exercise is critical to attaining every health and fitness goal. But exercise is about so much more than just health and fitness. Our bodies are designed to move, and when we don’t get enough movement, the negative effects ripple through every aspect of our lives. Inactivity is powerfully associated with depression, fatigue, problems paying attention, and a host of other mental and emotional complaints. Not to mention a dramatically increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

When we don’t get enough exercise, it undermines everything that we do. We can’t be as productive at work or school, or as energized and engaged in all of the other activities in our lives. Lack of exercise even affects our body’s ability to produce critical neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins, meaning that if we don’t exercise, we begin to lose the ability to experience emotions as fully. No matter what you want to do with your life, your capacity to succeed depends on your overall energy and vitality. Lack of exercise will invariably undermine your vitality, while a smart exercise program will help you maximize it.

So what kind of exercise should you be doing? Weights or Cardio? Walking, jogging, running or spinning? Or should you take up a sport? Our Exercise Overview answers all of these questions and more. If you’re a novice exerciser, read the Overview, then check out Getting Started with Exercise. The other articles in this section address specific exercise interests including Losing Weight and Getting Toned, Building Muscle, and Training for Sports. For the time-conscious gym goer, we also include a Quick and Easy Workout plan that offers a complete, full body training program complete with cardio in three 35 minute sessions per week.