I will admit, most of the time I would prefer to sit on the couch and devour a whole bag of Cape Cod chips rather then getting up and exercising. Also, like most people, I was not born with a fast metabolism or naturally fit genes. It is a curse I have learned to live with. Here are a few reminders to motivate you to get off that couch and get moving.
1. Health
It is a fact that exercising improves your personal health in a number of ways. It reduces risks of common health problems, such as heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. So basically, exercising helps you to live longer, and who doesn’t want that? If that is not motivation to go hop on the elliptical for 20 minutes, then I am not sure what is.
2. Overall Happiness
It is also a fact that exercising can make you feel happy. Exercising releases endorphins in the brain that physically make you feel good. A good workout not only makes you feel happy right afterward, but in the long run, as well. It is also a great self-esteem builder because you are working toward making yourself a better version of you, whatever your end goals are.
3. Stress Reliever
This is one of the best parts about exercising. Feeling stressed from schoolwork? Take a run on the treadmill. Drama in your social life? Zumba class. Whenever I am feeling particularly stressed, I head down to the gym, play my favorite songs and work up a good sweat. By the time I am done, my mind is at least a little bit clearer, and I can, mostly always, calmly address my problems.
4. Boredom
We have all had those days where you are just so bored that you end up staring at the wall in silence. If you want an idea to cure this boredom, then go workout! It may not be your ideal activity, but you will feel productive. Just think, you could be doing other undesirable activities instead, such as cleaning or homework. Pick your battles.
There are so many benefits to working out, many more than I mentioned in this short article. It takes a lot of willpower and determination to get up and put the effort into a decent workout. But let me just say, at the end of the day, it is more rewarding than anything. Even if it is just a few times a week, I guarantee you will feel better about yourself and your life.
