I don't work out, but I'm telling you that you should.Writing a list of motivations to work out may help in actually getting yourself to the gym.

“Do you get much exercise aside from walking to class?” There it was again, the dreaded question that usually comes from my parents. This time, it was from my doctor during my yearly visit. I nodded with a quick, “a little bit,” trying to avoid telling her that not only do I not get regular exercise, I also drive to class the majority of the time (it’s cold). She started rattling off a bunch of benefits I could get from making exercise a part of my weekly routine: more energy, better sleep, less illness, happier attitude. I actually really could use all of those things, I thought to myself as I drove home.

I’m not exactly sure why I can’t get myself over to the CCRB or IM Building, although a few guesses would include homework, Netflix, Buzzfeed and my constant lack of energy, although my doctor did say I’d have more energy if I exercised more. Interesting. 

I never used to go weeks without working out, but as each year of college goes on I find myself hitting the gym less and less. I’ve gotten stuck in a vicious cycle of class, work, studying, food, Grey’s Anatomy and bed. After my doctor’s appointment, I knew this cycle had to be broken – and fast – so I did some typing on my already overused computer and came up with some incentives for working out, which I’m sharing with you now. Some came from my doctor, others I put my own thought into.

      I will feel more productive, more positive and happier (endorphins!)

      Sleep will come easier, and I could definitely use every hour can get.

      I’ll have more energy throughout the day. I still don’t know how this one works, but I guess I’ll have to find out for myself.

      I will be better protected from colds, the flu and other inconvenient health issues I definitely don’t want.

      Warmer weather is on its way, which means less clothing and more showing off my body parts that are less-than-toned.

      I’ll feel better about eating that NYPD slice last night.

      Stress will be minimized and relieved through running, yoga, spinning, etc.

      It’s formal season, and my dress is tight.

      I can walk around with tennis shoes and a yoga mat and feel good knowing that I actually use them.

      I will be able to truthfully answer “yes!” when people, like my mom and dad, ask me if I have been working out.

My goal is to look at this list every day and feel motivated enough to choose the gym over my bed. Okay, every day might be a little ambitious, let’s say three to four days a week. Hopefully, I can get my roommates on board since working out with a friend is always easier. We already are extremely skilled in wearing the workout clothes so, hey, that's a start! 

Getting back to the athlete I was in high school won’t be easy, but I’ve realized that if exercise is able to give me all of the above benefits, a sedentary lifestyle will do just the opposite and that's a scary thought. 

Hopefully, this list of inspiration will help get you to the gym too!