If the latest infomercials are any indication, it seems as though weight loss is on everyone’s minds these days. While achieving a healthy weight is a good goal, when it comes to exercising, it shouldn’t be the main focus — because the number you see on the scale is not a reliable indicator of overall health and weight loss is just the tip of the iceberg for the many good things you’ll bring into your life with consistent exercise.

1. Working Out is an Antidepressant

Regular exercise has the ability to improve depression, without the use of drugs. Studies have found that individuals suffering from depression who did aerobic exercise showed just as much improvement in their symptoms as people on medication. Even better, a follow-up study found that the positive effects of exercise stuck around longer than those from medication.

2. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Similar to its impact on depression, working out has been shown to be one of the fastest ways to clear the stress hormone cortisol out of your symptom, and to calm an anxious mind. In addition, research has shown that our go-to “comfort foods” don’t actually make much of a dent in our stress levels, pointing to exercise over that pint of Ben & Jerry’s as the best stress-mediator.

3. Working Out Boosts Creativity

The next time you find yourself stuck with writer’s block, or you’re looking for some spark of inspiration, try taking a quick exercise break. Light physical activity has been shown to improve both convergent and divergent thinking, both associated with enhanced creativity.

4. Working Out Strengthens Your Bones

Higher-impact activities such as running, dancing, jumping rope or climbing stairs work to stimulate the bone cells in your legs, hips, and spine to build new bone, preventing the weakening that can lead to osteoporosis. Strength training to build muscle also stimulates bone growth by working the muscles and ligaments that pull on your bones.

5. It Helps Manage Chronic Pain

If you’re living with chronic pain, heading to the gym or out for a run may seem daunting. Yet, incorporating at least 10 minutes of some aerobic exercise (biking, walking, running), can provide both short-term and long-term improvements in chronic pain.

6. It Helps You Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your body and your health. Sleep aids your body in recovering, renews your energy and clears your mind. People who exercise regularly have been shown to have less incidence of insomnia and sleepless nights, and higher overall qualities of sleep.

7. Working Out Fights off The Common Cold...

Not only can consistent exercise cut the number of colds you experience, it can also make the colds you do catch shorter. Exercise’s cold-fighting abilities work by boosting the number and activity of important cells within the immune system.

8. …And Other Diseases, Too

A steady exercise regime can help lower your risk for many different diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. The best part? This preventative superstar has very few side effects!

9. Working Out Saves Money

Yes, a gym membership or home equipment can be expensive. However, investing in your health is not only smart – it’s frugal. For major companies, estimates show that for each dollar spent on preventative health (including exercise), it saves $2.71 in future health care costs. As a CEO of your own health, exercise is a wise practice to adopt!

10. It Boosts Your Self-Esteem

It’s simple: when you feel better physically, you feel better mentally. Exercisers have reported lower negative thoughts about themselves and their bodies, and overall higher self-esteem. Improved self-confidence can help you to not only meet your goals, but can give you the poise and motivation that you need to find success in life.

10 Reasons to Workout That Are Not Weight Loss