In the back of my mind, I know that exercise has a lot of benefits. Not just short term, see-them-right-away benefits, but also the long term, really-make-a-difference kind.
In case you didn’t know, exercise has been proven to:
- Prevent and/or manage type 2 diabetes.
- Prevent certain types of cancer.
- Promote healthy cholesterol levels.
- Protect against osteoporosis.
- Reduce the risk of stroke.
- Lower blood pressure levels.
Jack Lalanne, a fitness buff, lived a to a healthy 96 years old (Source: AP)
This is just a short list of the benefits of exercise. By all accounts, exercising can help you live a longer, healthier life. Nothing new here. Everyone knows this. But does it get you off the couch?
When I was running the other day, I started thinking about why I exercise. What motivates me to get moving? I wish I could say it was all of the reasons I listed above. I wish that just knowing that being active can help me to live a long, disease-free life was motivation enough to lace up my running shoes a minimum of 4 times a week.
I have to be honest, though. None of those things pops into my mind when I think about whether I’m going to exercise on any given day. The list of reasons why I exercise, why I really exercise, looks more like this:
1. When I am sitting and I look down, I see my stomach hanging over my pants. Baby #2 has left me with a less-than-desirable midsection and just seeing it everyday motivates me to workout.
2. When I peek in the mirror at my backside, I see little patches of cellulite on my thighs that weren’t there before.
3. When I am out running, I am freeeeeeeeee! Don’t get me wrong here. I adore my husband and both my children. But having that time in the open air, just listening to my music and nobody to disturb my thoughts, is golden. (Except, of course, when I get a text on my phone, which I use for music, that Luke woke early. Thanks, Tim, for letting me know. I’m still running.)
4. When I am exercising, I have more energy and just plain feel better.
Those abs are motivating!
These reasons, with the exception of maybe number 4, are selfish and superficial. But what can I say? It is what it is. Human nature is such that tangible results (such as getting a better body or having some time to myself) are more motivating than abstract, far-off things, like not getting diabetes.
At first, I was feeling guilty about my realization. But in the end, I’m still going to have the long-term benefits, even if that first list isn’t my primary motivation for exercising. The important thing is that I’m staying active, no matter what got me to do it.
What motivates YOU to exercise?
I exercise as a combination of ALL of these reasons. I would be a bold liar to say that I don’t exercise to combat weight gain or to keep cellulite at bay or my jeans fitting properly. But, I also know all of the health benefits, so I’m also often prompted to exercise to push myself, to gain natural energy and to ward off future health complications by staying fit. Honestly, though, I think no matter what the reason, you’re doing yourself a physical and mental favor to get out and MOVE no matter what the reason! If I dwell for too long on not needing to exercise because it feels like a superficial reason, then I ultimately might talk myself out of the workout.
Well said!
My reasons to exercise sound a lot like yours! I love coming home after a stressful day at work, grabbing the pup and going for a long run. It clears my mind and helps me transition between work and home/time to relax.
I would say that the main reason I exercise is to stay in shape and to be happy with my body. I know there are a ton of other reasons to exercise but like you said I am reaping the benefits of those healthy reasons too.
I used to only work out pretty much just to look good. Wanting to loose weight or tone up. Now, a large amount of the reason is still that, but I’ve also learned how good it is for my body and health. I always had blood pressure that was on the higher end of normal range, and ever since I started working out consistently, I have perfect blood pressure!
First of all, I exercise because it makes me feel good, and since I was doing gymnastics for so long, I just NEED workouts in my life (it is honestly proven that if you have worked out between age 8-11 on a regular basis, you will always be active).
Workouts make me feel alive and connected with my body and also I gain a lot of energy from them. And they are making me feel strong.
BUT I also work out so that I do not gain weight (well, I mean, I gain muscle weight alright, but you know what I mean ;)), though this reason is the last on my list.
I just love working out ♥
I wish I had that “I just love working out” feeling. I really don’t, even though I’ve been active my entire life. I love to play team sports or be active by hiking or other outdoor activities, but just working out for the sake of working out (a kickboxing class or using a exercise machine) doesn’t do it for me. At least I have something that motivates me. 🙂
exactly! The most important thing is that you are working out, no matter for what reasons.
And I am pretty impressed that you even find the time to workout!!
I enjoy reaping the health benefits for the long-term, but I admit it: I’m just plain vain and want to stay thin for as long as possible. Also, I figure the better shape I’m in before I (eventually) have kids, the easier it will be to get into shape afterward. Right?? Oh, I made your Quinoa Pizza Balls. Delicious! I had no fresh herbs, so I used dried and tossed in some fresh spinach. Thanks for the great recipe!
Glad you liked the pizza balls! Yes, I definitely think the better shape you are in before kids the easier it will be to stay in shape after.
I want to be healthy, and to set an example for my kids. I just want them to know that being active is important. And, I feel motivated to exercise because I am more inclined to make better choices during the day when it comes to snacking.
It’s also motivating when I start to see improvement. Running faster and feeling better doing it makes me want to do it even more!
And…I can’t even imagine what you think is your belly hanging over your pants! I’m sure it will zap back into rock body shape in no time!! 🙂
Sheesh! I’m a bad mom for not even thinking of setting a good example for my kids. That’s a really good reason! Maybe that will be on my radar more as they get older.
And believe me, my midsection is a hot mess right now. I even bought my very first pair of spanx because it looks ridiculous in all my tops.
I totally agree, sista! I’m all about the short-term benefits I can see and happy to know the long-term benefits I can’t see are there too 🙂 Man, I wish I had that body of Jillian. But probably don’t wanna work as hard as she does….LOL! And does she have 3 kids?!?….I think not 🙂
Plus, it’s her JOB to be in awesome shape and look like that. 😉
Right now, my motivation lies in the fact that I have a big 3-month-old, and I want to be strong enough to lug him around…and feeling strong makes me feel great.
My sister is also getting married in 6 months. I’m the MOH, and I want to look great in my dress!
I’m motivated when I’ve been working out, and then I look in the mirror and see that jussst a little bit of lift that is happening in my legs, and I see a tinnny bump starting in my bicep. I makes me wonder how much further I can go! I’m a fairly lean girl, and I know that I need to take advantage and appreciate the body I have, while I have it!
Realizing that this is my time to let my body shine helps keep me going, too!
Honestly, I exercise so I won’t gain weight. I agree that it’s not the sole reason that matters. I reap all the benefits, no matter what my reason it.
I think probably 95% of people who exercise do it to either lose weight, maintain weight, or change the shape of their body. Maybe not everyone is honest enough to admit it though.
It is what it is and I can’t blame you for a single one of those reasons for exercising! At least you are getting that heart pumping….. My motivation for exercising is the way it makes me feel inside AND out. I’ve been slacking lately due to me neeeeeding to sleep but I’ll step it up again soon to get back on some type of track. 🙂 Glad you’re keeping moving- no matter what the reason!
I totally agree! As long as you have reasons that keep you doing it – even if they seem selfish – it doesn’t really matter what those reasons are! I have to say, while the long term health benefits are good to keep in mind, my immediate reasons for keeping active are just about the same as yours. I feel energized and motivated to take on the world after a workout not to mention I feel a million times better about myself even if I don’t look any different right away. But seeing things about my body that I want to change is a huge motivation too. Setting a good example for my kids is up there on my list too. I never had that as a kid and it took me till I was way older than I should have been to realize how amazing a good workout makes me feel.