|

|

7 Reasons Why I Want To Stay In Shape

Raise your hand if you dislike exercise.

Oh good, I’m not alone.

It would be an understatement to say that I am not athletic. I was the kid who got picked last in high school gym class and the one who opted for water aerobics as my college gym credit so I didn’t have to sweat. Which is why it is comical that I now consider myself a runner and a bit of a gym rat.

Okay, well. Maybe those labels are taking it all a BIT too far, but I do exercise regularly and have been for several years now. As I approach my 40th birthday this summer, I am more committed than ever to be in shape.

We all know that exercise is good for us, but we are all so. very. busy. Right?? And who wants to get all sweaty and out of breath? It’s so much nicer to stay at home with a cup of coffee and a good book. RIGHT??

I used to feel that way, and some days I still do; but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered that being in shape is so crucial to general health and well being that the temporary discomfort of exercise is well worth the benefits. It took me 40 years to come to that realization, which is proof that it’s never too late!

7 REASONS WHY I WANT TO STAY IN SHAPE

1. I want to set a good example for my kids.

I want them to see me as an active, strong woman that will hopefully inspire them to be active, strong adults.

2. I want to be able to keep up with my kids.

I want to the one who helps them learn to ride their bikes. I want to be able to take a hike with my family on summer vacation. I want to be able to chase down my child in the parking lot when she lets go of my hand.

WHAT!?? It happens.

3. I want to be independent when I get older.

Exercise increases our flexibility, our balance, and our stability so we can take care of ourselves and remain independent well into old age. Anyone who is watching their parents or grandparents age can attest to this.

4. I want to feel strong.

I love feeling strong and capable when I’m carrying several bags of groceries or when I go to lift one of my children. I don’t want to have to get my husband to open that jar or to have to ask for help heaving a bag of mulch into the trunk of my car.

5. I want the emotional well-being exercise brings.

I used to be affected by seasonal affective disorder and extreme mood swings. At one point, I discussed depression medication with my doctor. I’m so glad I never filled the script because since exercising regularly, I feel so much better and I no longer get into extreme depressive moods.

6. I want the digestive benefits of exercise.

Believe it or not, exercise helps keep your digestive system moving in the right direction. This is another health issue I battle, and exercise has helped me wean off of medicine for acid reflux and digestive issues. If I miss my exercise for more than a week, I notice the difference. Everything starts to feel backed up.

7. I want to look good.

Okay, I can admit it. Just because we’re aging doesn’t mean we can’t still look good. Exercise helps keep us looking trim and toned, and who doesn’t want that?

Do you exercise? How do you stay motivated?

Next week I’m going to share some tips for getting into an exercise routine.

Join The Conversation

6 Responses

  1. Ha – I took bowling for one of my college gym credits!

    I’m definitely not the athletic type either, but have been inspired by you and others to try running. It helps that my husband is doing it with me; we’re trying the Couch to 5K program.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *