After just one exercise session, you will feel awesome. Immediately. Intensely. Unequivocally. Maybe you just want to blow off some steam. Study after study confirms the direct relationship between exercise and an increase in feel-good hormones, which can also help manage depression. (Even in the 1800s, Henry David Thoreau knew what was up, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day,” ….. both science and a great American poet agree: We cannot be our happiest without exercise!)

Being stronger, leaner, happier, and more capable can make for a better life. Plus, it can help decrease your risk of heart disease. Your boss needs you to lift that heavy box? Yes, ma’am, you can. Your neighbor needs help rearranging furniture? Damn right, buddy, you’ll move that couch. Your friend needs to be carried home from the bar? Saddle up, cowboy. The more you reinforce hard work with a positive outcome, the more you think of yourself as a winner. And a healthy winner at that. If we get good at winning at exercise, we can be good at winning anything.

Physical exercise helps your brain stay sharp. In case you already forgot, exercise increases oxygen to your brain and reduces the risk for disorders that lead to memory loss, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exercise also enhances the effects of helpful brain chemicals and reduces stress hormones. Not to get too serious, but it also plays an important role in neuroplasticity by boosting growth factors and stimulating new neuronal connections. In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain.

The people closest to you rely on your love, energy, and compassion. Mismanaging your body is a disservice to them. Taking care of your relationship with yourself is the first step toward taking care of your relationship with others. Making time for exercise isn’t selfish. It’s an act of generosity. The people around you deserve your best. The best version of you is a version that’s physically and mentally strong.

Find me someone who wants to work out just to feel better— generally we want to look better too. Looking better is a perfectly fine reason to work out—and it’s a strong motivator. It’s even better if coupled with one of the other five reasons above.