Kenneth Gardner

From my perspective, the best gift you could have given your sweetheart this past Valentine's Day is a trip to the health club.

Exercise has been proven to prepare the individual psychologically, mentally and physically. Most of these benefits cannot be obtained by consuming chocolate or accepting shiny trinkets. Furthermore, research reveals that individuals who start a fitness programme together are more likely to stick to it than singletons.

Exercise is by far the best-known, natural way to keep healthy. It helps to reduce chances of developing chronic illnesses, which includes cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Preventing these chronic illnesses is far better than curing them. Most of which will have already done enough damage to the body by the time they are discovered.

Boosts sex drive

In addition to its many health benefits, regular exercise also assists the fundamental physiological mechanisms that enhance sexual functioning. Research has shown that middle-aged men who complete 60-minute workouts, three to four times a week, reported more frequent and enjoyable sexual activity. Basic exercise performed during workouts will help strengthen muscles and endurance and increase cardiovascular functioning for enhanced blood flow. In addition, regular exercise improves your mood and bolsters your self-esteem. All these benefits combined will help you feel more confident and sexy from the inside out.

Regular exercise also gets your blood pumping. Thirty to 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise enhances blood flow thu your body's response to touch. Exercise also helps to strengthen the muscles of the heart, resulting in greater input and output.

Regular exercise will also ensure that your significant other absolutely loves you. Well-toned and muscular abdominals not only look great (helping to attract your Valentine) but they also allow you to perform better. Exercise will allow you to replace all that excess fat with well-toned muscles which will allow you to fit into that special dress you always wanted to wear.

For your special one, always consider the gift of a healthy heart.