Reasons to Exercise

The truth is, while most of us know why we should exercise and know how much better we’d feel if we did, it’s still a struggle to make it happen.

In a perfect world feeling good and looking after ourselves would be at the top of our list, but on most days it gets thrust down the priorities list by countless other tasks we have set for ourselves. Just in case you need a bit more convincing then I’ve put together a few good reasons why you should include exercise in your life.

You'll live longer
Many of the leading causes of death can be prevented by a healthy diet and regular exercise. So while taking an hour out most days to train may seem daunting, you may gain a few years further down the line as your reward. Try comparing a couple of missed phone calls for a chance to play with your great-grandchildren.

You'll sleep better
Often our brains keep whizzing after a long day. Mentally exhausted, we throw ourselves into bed and wait for sleep. And wait. Unfortunately, a tired mind doesn’t make you sleep well. However, a tired body does, so a bit of exercise completed during the day will allow your body to relax and your mind will follow. While exercising when you have 10,000 other things to do can sometimes feel unrealistic, think about how much time you spend working at less than full steam due to a good night’s sleep?

You'll achieve something
Life is complicated, and to be fair, that’s why we love it. However, sometimes it’s nice to set out to achieve something and achieve it, nice and simple. Exercise can give you that sense of achievement. There’s no one to judge you, no money dependent on your effort, just good old-fashioned hard work. Try that uphill walk or go to that challenging class, you’ll feel better for it.

You know you should
How many hours do you spend thinking you should be exercising? How good would it feel to lose that guilt? Pretty good huh? There’s only one way to lose that guilt and that’s to push your chair back from the desk and get out there and get your heart rate up. Who knows, you might lose a few kilos in the process.

You'll have fun
For many of us with memories of being teenage girls in PE uniforms, exercise and fun are not two words we naturally put together. Workouts don’t have to be all sets and reps, and running on the treadmill staring at others running on the treadmill. Hook yourself up with a dynamic personal trainer who can combine hard work with humour, or hook up with a friend and take a 20 minute walk together regularly, instead of catching-up over coffee.

You'll gain power
We are not just talking physical power or total world domination, although both these things can be fun. Challenging ourselves on a physical level makes us mentally stronger. There is something very empowering about giving ourselves the chance to find something we can’t do, and train until we can do it.
Exercising does not always have to be about getting a ‘better’ body; we are worth so much more than that. Choose to make exercise a regular part of your life, find that power within yourself - and you may decide your body is fine just the way it is.

By Julz Darroch
Visit: www.julzdarroch.co.nz