Everyone has their own reasons for working out. I think it’s interesting to hear people’s “why,” because fitness is different for everyone. It seems like we all have one reason, in particular, that motivates us to get active.
In addition to reasons like…balancing your intense love for food…I think whatever gets you moving is great. However, there is one type of motivation that is a pet peeve of mine: people who only workout because they are obsessed with being skinny.
Yes, it’s true that working out is a great way to get leaner, but the popular focus of “skinny” tends to make people hate the process and only care about their “after” picture. As the cliché goes, fitness and healthy living is a journey. I’ve found that learning to appreciate how you feel during and after each workout is what it’s all about. When you shift your focus to this, you’re more prone to actually wanting to get active, rather than seeing it as an obligation.
This definitely is not how I always feel. We all have days when working out is the absolute last thing we want to do. Although it can be extra tricky to motivate yourself to workout at these times, you’ll never regret doing it.
As a reminder of why working out can be pretty great, I’m highlighting five reasons to get active—that aren’t about being skinny.
1. You become healthier.
Wow, I bet you never saw that one coming. 😉 The long-term benefits of exercising now are tenfold. Every workout makes a difference for your health—from noticeable changes (like losing weight) to the not-so-obvious (like increased bone density and better heart health).
2. You can release stress.
I personally hate working out when I’m in a bad mood, but when I actually make myself do it, it tends to be quite therapeutic. I’ve found that certain types of exercise, like boxing and running, are especially great for working out the pressures of the day.
3. You get stronger.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting physically stronger. That realization that you can run further, lift heavier, or just do more than you ever have in the past? It’s pretty empowering, let me tell you.
4. You gain more energy.
Sure, at first it might seem like it’s sucking all your energy, but as you keep working out, you’ll notice you generally feel more alert and energized throughout the day. Kind of makes you feel like a superhero some days.
5. You feel happier.
In the wise words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” Aside from possibly being less irritated and murder-y, you might feel a little happier and higher on life. 🙂
What’s your motivation for working out?
My reasons are exactly the ones you mentioned. But if i had to pick a main one it would definitely be to get strong. I have been an active person all my life so if for some reason I can’t workout for a longer period, the feeling of not being strong enough is always my motivation to get back in shape.