As we get older and our activity levels drop, often our confidence drops as well. We fall into the rut of work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat and begin to feel like that boring routine is all there is to life. As we continually repeat this routine and don't find time to stay fit, our waistlines grow and our clothes fit tighter. All of this contributes to a lower self esteem and a negative outlook on life.

We've all seen the fitness gurus on TV and been slightly disgusted with their peppy attitudes and smiles. But what if they were onto something? The truth is-they are! Fitness and an active lifestyle do wonders for your attitude, and in turn, your self confidence. We often sell ourselves short when it comes to our bodies. We expect very little from them and they live up to our low expectations. It's when you really expect a lot from your body and challenge it that you see what you are truly capable of.

Pushing your body to achieve more, gives you a sense of pride. Your body responds to how it is treated. If you treat your body with disrespect it will not respond positively. However, if you challenge your body to do its best and reward it with high quality nutrition and activity, it responds with positive feelings and a healthy glow. Just like an expensive sports car, the human body needs maintenance to keep it running smoothly. You cannot expect the body to maintain itself when the mind is only focused on eating, sleeping, and working.

Exercise releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are hormones produced by the pituitary glad and create a sense of well being and happiness. Researchers believe these hormones are responsible for a decrease in symptoms of depression among depressed individuals who exercise regularly. What this means is there is scientific proof that exercise can make you feel better and happier.

Finding time to get fit can be difficult. A real check of priorities will show you that a high quality of life should be near the top, and we cannot have that without a healthy body. When you compare the other things in life that you make time for (television, computer games, etc), fitness should be taking a front seat.

Regardless of your situation, there is surely a fitness routine to fit your needs. Programs like Power 90 and P90X are tailored to push your body to its highest performance level. While 10 Minute Trainer and Slim In 6 are more for the people that can never find the time. Choosing a program that you can stick with is important to get the body you have always wanted and to maintain a positive body image.

Feeling good about your body changes your outlook on life and your quality of life. When you look good, you feel good and everyone can tell. Making yourself a priority can be hard work, harder than we sometimes think. But, once you make that change, and shift your outlook you can clearly see what you were missing the whole time.