Why do you work out?

[BeachBum]

I did cardio this morning for the first time in a few months (although I have never been a very regular exerciser) and I feel great. The anxiety and tension that has been eating at me for the past few weeks subsided. It made me think that aesthetic benefits aside I really should work out because of how it makes me feel mentally--or maybe wholistically... I guess many of you had this epiphany a long time ago huh?;) :o


So out of curiosity, why do you work out, and do you like it?


*ETA that although I feel great now I didn't enjoy the exercise while I was doing it.

[KValley]

Current and Future Health. Sanity. Joy.

I love to exercise- in a gym or out-of-doors. I am crawling the walls internally if I can't do something physical every day- that doesn't always mean a regimented fitness routine and intensity varies- but I have to MOVE! :)

'scuse me while I head to the gym! :)

[heide]

why do I work out? Hmmm. Because I always have. I feel better when I do. I've played sports all my life: swimming, soccer, tennis. When I wasn't in an organized thing, I did other stuff. I enjoy sports and I enjoy aerobics so that's what I mostly do. I also like the rhythm of walking or cardio machines. I feel so much better when I'm working out regularly. I sleep better, I breath better and I'm generally happier. There have been times when I wasn't doing regular exercise and I remember those times as being harried, miserable times. Also, exercise allows me to eat a little more. ;)

I should copy this post to a note above my computer to remind myself why I should get out of this chair more often.

[RebeccaT]

While I have always been a "busy" person, never happy sitting still, exercise was not something I enjoyed or did regularly once I graduated from high school and didn't have activities like cheerleading, soccer, etc. to keep me moving.

About 18 months ago something clicked, and I started working out regularly. At first it was forced, then it was habit. Now it's something where I physically NEED to get exercise. I look better, true. And I am working on looking even better. But the main reason I need to work out is because my body feels out of whack if I don't. That about sums it up! I physically feel out of sorts if I haven't gotten in at least 3 workouts over the course of the week. I didn't think I would ever get to this point, and I can't say that I *love* working out while I am doing it. But I HATE how I feel when I don't!

[Shirley Panek]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
I look better, true. And I am working on looking even better. But the main reason I need to work out is because my body feels out of whack if I don't. That about sums it up! I physically feel out of sorts if I haven't gotten in at least 3 workouts over the course of the week. I didn't think I would ever get to this point, and I can't say that I *love* working out while I am doing it. But I HATE how I feel when I don't!

Well said, Rebecca! I can tell a difference when I haven't been able to go to the gym. Sometimes I have to drag my butt there, but I'm always happy after I get there and get started. I also find that if I'm getting a cold, if I continue to work out (and not stay away from the gym), my cold goes away faster. Bonus! :D

[wallycat]

I had my epihany at 22 :D :D
Sure there have been months in all those years where I may have skipped here or there, but I always have come back for the reasons mentioned...
Not only do I feel great after I exercise, but the current and long term health benefits are nice to look forward to.
It doesn't hurt that I can eat more either :D :D ;)

[MrsReber]

I do it for a few reasons. Number one is mental health. I feel much better and I need the stress relief. It also makes me feel good about myself, hence if I feel better, I look better. It's sort of a confidence thing. The physical health benefits are great. I have fewer little aches and pains, I can keep up with my kids. I hadn't exercised for almost a year when I was busy having kids. When I went back, I had my body analyisis done- I couldn't believe it, but I was not that far off from before I stopped going to the gym! My cholesterol and body fat were both still in the "good" range so I can see that exercise has good long term benefits as well. So, in effect, I'd be hard pressed to find a valid reason NOT to exercise!

[claire797]

I always feel better after I've exercised, but I hate it. I only do it to burn calories and build muscle.

[KristinK]

1. Because I like to. I especially love running outside and playing sports.
2. Because it makes me feel better, mentally and physically. Running helps me clear my mind, calm me down, and ease my stress. It gives me more energy and makes me feel healthier and stronger.
3. Because it keeps me looking good. I started running in the beginning of college, after playing year-round sports in high school, which helped me stay thin. But it wasn't until I started strength-training that I started to see muscle tone - and I love getting compliments on my arms!
4. Because it's more time I can share with DBF. We belong to the same gym, and having him around is like having a (free) personal trainer. He's very into weight-training (he's been doing it since high school), and he's the one that got me started. Now whenever I need a new exercise or routine, I can just ask him!
5. Because it's become a habit. I just don't feel good when I skip a day.

:)

[ShanaG]

In order of importance :)

1. I feel good physically and mentally
2. The health benefits

[scrappycat]

I hate to exercise. I do it only because I have to, if I didn't, I would gain weight. I like the way I look when I'm in shape, and I don't like the way I look when I'm not. But I would rather do just about anything than exercise. I only exercise 3 days a week and have to talk myself into it on those days!
Pam

[clairea]

SANITY!!!

I like what working out does for my body, but I like what it does for my mind even more. I almost always run alone, usually first thing in the morning, and I have come to treasure that time to mull things over in my head. It seems to help me think more clearly (maybe because it is about the only time of day I don't have kids clamoring for attention ;)) and I have made some big decisions "on the run." I started working out (walking then running, and strength-training) to help lose weight after having my second child. Then I realized that going to the Y (with free childcare) gave me 2 hours to myself a few times a week, so that kept me going. Now, I run because it makes me feel better mentally and physically.
For those of you who hate exercise, there is hope.:) I always hated any kind of exercise, and never worked out regularly until 3 years ago. Now, I truly enjoy working out, and if I go more than a day or 2 between workouts I really miss it.

Claire

[Isablue]

If I don't exercise, I get fat and I have to buy new clothes.

I'm too cheap to buy new clothes. Guess I'll just exercise.

[Paula H]

After living most of my life as a couch potato with the luck of staying slim naturally (and then hitting my mid-20s and that "luck" starting to run away from me), now I exercise (aerobic, flexibility, strength training) because:
- It keeps me looking good!
- It helps with my depression
- I feel happy with the way my body feels

Lately I've had lots and lots of people comment on how fabulous/energetic I look since getting back into exercising earlier in the year. And boy do I like to hear that!

[Paula H]

Originally posted by Isablue
If I don't exercise, I get fat and I have to buy new clothes.

I'm too cheap to buy new clothes. Guess I'll just exercise.


Another very good point! I'm too poor to buy new clothes!

Although I'm currently having to "revitalise" my wardrobe after losing a couple of inches off my waist....

[mandarin2j]

I exercise for many reasons:

-to continue to be able to do the things I enjoy (hiking, snowshoeing, gardening, and so on)
-to reverse weight-induced antipathy toward physical activity (this is a biggie, because the antipathy makes it harder to be active, which makes one more antipathetic toward physical activity, and so on in a sad spiral)
-to avoid health problems in the future
-to lose weight so I can fit into the lovely vintage clothes that I collected throughout my early 20s
-to lose weight so I look & feel more fit
-to eat better (I find I crave healthier foods if I'm working out-instead of reaching for candy, my strongest post-jog craving is for an orange)

Do I like it? Often, I do. The hardest part is making myself do it. I rarely want to quit once it's underway. It's just getting the shoes on & going outside that I have trouble with, but I'm getting LOTS better at that.

[d_ferrero]

Thank you Beach Bum and everyone who has responded to this thread. I have had less than perfect attendance at the gym for the last month or so as I adjust to a new job and the accompanying new routine. As I'm sure many of you know, once you fall out of the habit it's easy to STAY out. Reading this thread was just the kick start I needed to remind me what all I get OUT of an hour or so at the gym each day.

[Jessica]

I am also a jessie-come-lately to exercise. I never got much activity as a young person except for required PE classes and some walking, but after college I gained weight and began working out to try and lose weight.

Well, the weight didn't really come off that way, but I began to see other benefits. I had more energy, I got fewer headaches and I felt less stressed about everyday things. I gradually added new things--classes, weights, yoga, etc. Now, I work out 4-5 times a week and I feel terrible if I miss more than a day of exercise. Even if it is just a walk or some brisk cleaning, I try to get my body moving every day.

I don't always love exercise while I am doing it, but I always feel better both mentally and physically afterward. It took years to make it a regular habit but I consider it one of the best things I ever did for myself.

[newmrs]

There are definitely some days that I'd rather sit on the couch all night than head to the gym, but whenever I make it there I am SO glad that I did! I've been exercising regularly for a while, but I have only recently lost weight, after changing what I eat. I keep going to the gym because:

I love feeling strong and capable.

I love seeing the calorie count on the cardio machines after a tough workout :)

I like meeting new people at the gym.

I like the way that my clothes fit.

Since I started working out regularly, I've only been sick once, while my slothful husband has been sick six or seven times.

I like looking at my workout log and seeing that I'm lifting more weight, or that I'm doing more cardio sessions--it's a real feeling of accomplishment!

I loved reading everyone else's answers--it's making me feel motivated to work extra hard at the gym tonight! :D

[SusanMac]

This is totally motivating thread!

Mandarin made a great point about not craving junk food. Can't figure out why this happens, but the more I work out, the more I crave fresh, healthy foods. I still splurge on cookies, cheese or ice cream here and there, but am able to have just a bit and it's more satisfying.

I definitely started exercising to have strong, smooth muscles and no love handles. But, now I do it mostly because it makes me feel great.

As I've gotten older, I've also found even more joy in pushing and challenging myself. It's completely rewarding to push myself to a new physical goal - either a longer distance, faster time, heavier weight, higher heart rate, more intervals, whatever. It's very cool to think of my body as a machine and see how well tuned I can make it.

re: stress release, I used to always think I had to have an aerobic activity to reduce stress. A few years ago I discovered that a great yoga class will reduce stress even better than a long run.

[food girl]

If studies suddenly showed that exercise causes cancer, heart disease and gangrene I would probably still do it! I truely enjoy moving my body. I do lots of road biking, step aerobics, weight lifting.

I see people everyday that can't even walk across the room. I am thankful for my health and a body that I can depend on.

I think I'll get up and go for a walk...............


Lisa