It’s more than just what is on the outside.
We
know that exercise is essential to incorporate into a balanced and
healthy lifestyle, but it also can be easy to buy into the idea that
working out is the means to achieve what we might deem to be an ideal
version of the “perfect body.” This mentality can be a slippery slope
than can lead to stringent behaviors and self-doubt, and can take out a
lot of the joy exercise can bring to our lives.
Exercise
is so much more than just a means to an end. It is a time to breathe,
to center yourself, and to strengthen yourself. Viewing exercise solely
as a way in which to achieve a certain appearance takes the focus off of
fitness as a way to achieve holistic health, which encompasses both
mental, as well as physical well-being.
Exercise
is something that should be celebrated for the health benefits that it
gives both mind and body. So, here are six reasons to workout that have
everything to do with the joy exercise can bring your life, and nothing
to do with the way you look.
To relieve your stress
Try
as we might to get rid of it, stress can be a pretty constant mode of
operation in our daily lives, whether it is due to a pile up of job
responsibilities or personal anxieties. Exercise has been shown to be an
effective stress reliever.
It reduces adrenaline and cortisol, while increasing the release of
those feel-good endorphins that are known to be so addicting. These
endorphins are what are responsible for that “runner’s high,” and they
do more than just reduce stress; they can also lower the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
To experiment trying something new and exciting
Exercising
can be a perfect time to really go out of your comfort zone and attempt
something completely new that you never expected to try. A workout
doesn’t have to be slogging away at the same old routine in the gym;
instead, it can be an awesome way to do something fun, unique, and
different. A new type of workout can be an amazing way to push your
boundaries. Who knows, you may find something new you excel at, or love
even more than your traditional workout routine.
To spend quality time with friends
Working
out is definitely not something you have to go solo. It can be the
perfect time to catch up with a friend, and in a healthy way that
benefits you both. A friend can also be an amazing motivation for
encouraging you to push yourself harder in a workout, and he or she
might be able to introduce you to an activity that is new to you, and
fun to try. Exercising with friends also helps take that dread out of
anticipating your workout, and can make you look forward to your workout
much more.
To get out your angst
When you’re angry or frustrated, sitting and ruminating about it doesn’t do anything to help relieve that frustration or anxiety.
All that pent up energy has to go somewhere, and exercise can be the
perfect way to clear your head and center yourself. You can do this
through a centering practice, like yoga, or you can punch out all your
frustration in a kickboxing class… whatever you feel is best for you at
that time.
To explore a new place
Working
out is not something that needs to always be done inside in an
enclosed, sweaty room. Use your time to get outside and explore! This
could be a run through a part of your city you haven’t yet checked out, a
hike through a place you’ve always wanted to explore, or a yoga
session on a beach you’ve always wanted to see. Not only are you
getting in your daily exercise, but you are also getting in some
refreshing and rejuvenating time outdoors.
To celebrate all that your body is capable of doing
It
truly is remarkable that our bodies are capable of being pushed to be
stronger and more adaptable each day. Instead of focusing on the way
your body looks, celebrate instead your ability to move, and how
wonderful it is to be able to challenge yourself to be healthier, more
balanced, and stronger everyday.
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