I'm surprised I missed this thread. Exercise improves my mood tremendously. First off, the rising endorphin levels alone after a good sweat are enough to keep me happy all day. And second, there is that feeling of energizing physical accomplishment that one can't get anywhere else. Third, I sleep better at night which in turn gives me more energy in the daytime and better mental clarity. Fourth, exercise helps keep you regular and I believe that an unhealthy colon is a #1 cause of illness. Fifth, the more I exercise the better shape I get in, which lifts my self-esteem. Exercise makes everything better. It's interesting to note both the amount of people that are obese and the amount of people that take anti-depressants here in the U.S.
