A recent survey by the Opinion Research Corporation found almost half of the men would be motivated to go to the gym more often if it resulted in more sexual activity. The survey also found that 71 percent would be motivated by heart disease, 65 percent from being out of breath from climbing stairs, and 60 percent from not being able to button their pants.

Men's Health magazine and CNN were in search of the cause for male inactivity when Opinion conducted the survey to start National Men's Health Week, June 12-18.

"The bad news is that men aren't exercising as much as they should," Greg Gutfeld, editor of Men's Health, said. "The good news is that we've identified the key strategy that women can use to help men get in shape: They should offer their men a reward when they come back from the gym."

Other statistics from the survey included:

61 percent said they would go to the doctor if they could get in and out in 10 minutes or the visit were free, 34 percent said they would go for a free Swedish massage, 17 percent would go for an attractive receptionist, and 12 percent would go for a wide-screen TV with pay-per-view in the waiting room. Shockingly, 34 percent would not go to the doctor even if they had chest pain.

45 percent of men (and 47 percent of women) lie to their doctor because "it was easier to tell the doctor what he wanted to hear," 34 percent lied out of embarrassment, 26 percent lied out of fear of the doctor getting angry, 19 percent lied to avoid hearing bad news, and 18 percent lied because they were in a hurry.

Only 31 percent jog regularly, 27 percent use an aerobic machine and 36 percent lift weights, but 56 percent walk at least twice a week.

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, 59 percent of men think they'll live until they're 80, even though the life expectancy of a man born in the '70s is 67.

68 percent of men and women would choose the end of cancer to any other health advance. Fourteen percent would like Alzheimer's disease cured and 12 percent would end heart disease.

Less than 1 percent would to like to see a cure for the common beer belly.

National Men's Health Week was recognized officially by Congress in 1994 and is an opportunity to encourage preventative health behavior, and early detection and treatment of health problems. The campaign is sponsored by Men's Health magazine with support from CNN, Savane, and Rodale, as well as organizations like Federal Express and CIGNA.

Source: Men's Health and CNN