Saturday, September 29, 2012

The Perks of Exercise - My Personal 5

I have been thinking a lot about my own exercise routine or lack thereof lately, and making a concerted effort to get some physical activity into every day.  I was missing my workouts over these past few too-busy months and have thoroughly enjoyed this past week's workouts, sore muscles and all!  Me, I love to sweat.

I came up with a list of 5 reasons why I love to work out.  Perhaps you share some of them:

1.  Working out puts me in a better mood.

I don't know if it is the endorphins or the sense of pride I feel after I have completed a difficult run or a hard strength session.  But whatever it is, it is real and I feel great for hours.

2.  I have more energy and brain power.

Is it the heart-pumping rush of blood and oxygen through my system that brings a feeling of renewal and clarity?  I know that even a 20-minute brisk walk makes my creative juices flow.

3.  I sleep more soundly.

I have pretty much always been a good sleeper.  But I know I sleep more soundly and dream less on nights where I have had a long run or a hard cardio workout during the day.

4.  It's good for my self-esteem.

Finishing up a run where I have completed a new distance, or an improved time makes me feel strong and confident.  Adding 15 seconds to holding a plank motivates me to want to do more tomorrow.  I walk taller, and feel more powerful.  Even a so-so workout gives me a sense of achievement in having finished it.

5.  Working out out regularly inspires me to eat healthier.

I need good food to fuel my workouts and provide my body with the nourishment it requires for recovery and growth.  When I am getting regular exercise I pay more attention to what I am eating.  If I don't eat well, I cannot perform well.


Why do you love to workout?  I know you DO...

6 comments:

  1. I agree with all of these! I really do feel better after working out, and that translates to being more focused when working, having more patience with others and feeling more confident about myself!

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  2. I love to sweat, I love what it does for my self confidence, I love being a strong woman. I love seeing how much faster, farther harder I can push it, the tired achy muscles. I just really love it :)

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  3. These are all so true. Number 5 especially for me. On days I don't workout I should eat better,but find I actually eat worse. When I workout I am so motivated I want to stay on track and I am better about what I eat.

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  4. All true for me...plus manage stress and be a good example to my kids
    Thank you for your comments today I appreciate them

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  5. I think the same hold true for me as well. I also work out because it makes me feel strong, powerful, in control of my life and I tend to get a lot more done in a day after I have worked out!

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