We all want that perfect bikini body that is toned, but not anorexic looking. However, some of us need a little more motivation than pictures from Pinterest.

I am one of those people. I found that throughout the school year, Netflix was so much more appealing than putting on shorts and a tank to embarrass myself on the machines in the basement of my dorm. The summer began and I found myself feeling like I wasn't active enough. I wasn't sleeping well and I felt just plain useless. Then, I came across a bunch of tips that helped motivate me to get up and moving. I complied a list of 10 reasons to exercise, now, so that the future me can be happy, healthy and alive and, maybe, even get that bikini body.

There are so many amazing reasons to exercise. Not only will you have that amazing bikini body, but you could set yourself up for a great body later in life! For a clearer picture on how exactly exercise affects your body, I made a list of 10 items that you should be thinking about now, not during your midlife crisis. 

1. Exercise releases endorphins. In the long run this helps keep depression at bay, control mood swings and, overall, makes you a happier person. How will this affect you later in life? Think about it. Are you really going to thank yourself for eating that entire tub of ice cream because you were sad? I didn't think so. Being happy can eliminate the need to mindlessly munch, or devour, unhealthy snacks. 

2. Moving your body helps with brain function. That means not only will you do better academically, but you will be able to think better and clearer in the long run. 

3. Stress levels will be lower. Exercise reduces stress on the heart, cholesterol problems and high blood pressure and helps you avoid a lot of future hospital bills. So get up and get going!

4. Control hunger. In the long run, controlling hunger and eating properly prevents diabetes and being overweight. 

5. Exercise helps with sleep patterns. Every college student knows that those few extra minutes of deep sleep can make a world of difference in day to day classroom life!

6. Exercise, such as yoga, helps boost the immune system. Meaning, that cold that is being passed around during your 40s won't be as much of a threat with great immunity!

7. Better balance, posture, circulation and breathing. You name it and it's probably improved by exercise and helps eliminate health issues further down the road of life. 

8. Gorgeous skin, hair and nails! You will get a healthy head start on anti-aging without the chemicals!

9. Reduces the risk of cancer. Believe me, this is a big deal!

10. Imagine what you could do a month from now, if you got up and worked out. A year from now? Ten years from now? Move continuously and live longer. It's a simple formula.

Get up and move!

Image provided by: Heza