Exercise: It's More than Losing Weight or Looking Better
By: Nicole Nichols,
SparkPeople Blogger
5/18/2011 10:00 AM
: 85 comments
: 13,813 Views
Think about these questions honestly for a moment: Why do you exercise? How do you really feel about fitness?
Is it something you dread each day? Something you make excuses to avoid? Do you drudge through it, painstakingly watching the clock as you counting down the minutes or tallying up your reps?
Or perhaps exercise is something you look forward to. Even though it's challenging, you get enjoyment from finishing a tough workout and reaching new milestones.
No matter how you feel now, I think we're all capable of the latter. I believe that at first, exercise is a thing you HAVE to do, but over time, it becomes something that you want to do. But that doesn't happen if you're not working on developing the right attitude toward exercise.
Unfortunately, most images we see of exercise (think reality TV, especially of the weight-loss variety) show it to be intimidating, painful, or extreme. The hottest workout trends these days are "insanely" intense, which makes many believe that going "all out" is the only way to get real results. And when it comes to marketing in the fitness industry, well, we're bombarded with messages telling us that exercise will help us achieve a certain physique. That's partly true (but not without a dietary overhaul), but I think that exercising to lose weight is only so motivating. What about how exercise makes you feel? In the end, the only way you'll stick with a workout is not by losing a few inches, but by gaining something more.
The other day, SparkPeople member Jen (MAPGEEK) shared an excellent video with me via Twitter. Although it's a commercial for a fitness apparel store and it focused on women, she tweeted, "Someone got it right." I have to agree. Not only is this commercial inspirational, but it focuses on exercising for some of the best reasons, and what working out can really add to a person's life. Take a look.
(See the video on YouTube or watch below.)
Does exercise mean this much to you? It does to me. It's so ingrained in my daily life that I can't imagine it not being there. It's my stress reliever. It's the way I take care of myself and honor my body. No matter how it changes my body (or doesn't), it makes me feel better about my body and what it's capable of. Exercise makes me feel strong, independent, and confident. It's my time alone where I can think about everything I want or nothing at all. It's quiet time, but it can also be loud or crazy. I can share it with others by teaching a class (which I love), or just run away from my day by putting one foot in front of the other as I head out the door. I can't imagine my life without exercise, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. Fitness has brought nothing but good to my life, and I can't wait to see how it will help me next. When I really think about the important place it holds, how can I say I'm not motivated to do it?
How about you? What does exercise mean to you? How has it affected your life? Share your thoughts below!
Is it something you dread each day? Something you make excuses to avoid? Do you drudge through it, painstakingly watching the clock as you counting down the minutes or tallying up your reps?
Or perhaps exercise is something you look forward to. Even though it's challenging, you get enjoyment from finishing a tough workout and reaching new milestones.
No matter how you feel now, I think we're all capable of the latter. I believe that at first, exercise is a thing you HAVE to do, but over time, it becomes something that you want to do. But that doesn't happen if you're not working on developing the right attitude toward exercise.
Unfortunately, most images we see of exercise (think reality TV, especially of the weight-loss variety) show it to be intimidating, painful, or extreme. The hottest workout trends these days are "insanely" intense, which makes many believe that going "all out" is the only way to get real results. And when it comes to marketing in the fitness industry, well, we're bombarded with messages telling us that exercise will help us achieve a certain physique. That's partly true (but not without a dietary overhaul), but I think that exercising to lose weight is only so motivating. What about how exercise makes you feel? In the end, the only way you'll stick with a workout is not by losing a few inches, but by gaining something more.
The other day, SparkPeople member Jen (MAPGEEK) shared an excellent video with me via Twitter. Although it's a commercial for a fitness apparel store and it focused on women, she tweeted, "Someone got it right." I have to agree. Not only is this commercial inspirational, but it focuses on exercising for some of the best reasons, and what working out can really add to a person's life. Take a look.
(See the video on YouTube or watch below.)
Does exercise mean this much to you? It does to me. It's so ingrained in my daily life that I can't imagine it not being there. It's my stress reliever. It's the way I take care of myself and honor my body. No matter how it changes my body (or doesn't), it makes me feel better about my body and what it's capable of. Exercise makes me feel strong, independent, and confident. It's my time alone where I can think about everything I want or nothing at all. It's quiet time, but it can also be loud or crazy. I can share it with others by teaching a class (which I love), or just run away from my day by putting one foot in front of the other as I head out the door. I can't imagine my life without exercise, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. Fitness has brought nothing but good to my life, and I can't wait to see how it will help me next. When I really think about the important place it holds, how can I say I'm not motivated to do it?
How about you? What does exercise mean to you? How has it affected your life? Share your thoughts below!
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Comments
- 5/22/2011 7:17:05 PM
GREAT blog. I have come to love the exercise, sweat, and the feeling of accomplishment that being part of the SPARK and tracking FITNESS Minutes brings. Fine fitness feats/feets to all! Bring on summer!! - 5/22/2011 1:16:10 PM
What does exercise mean to you?
For me I still exercise because of the health benefits. I have not come to love it. I set goals, because we are encourage to do so.
How has it affected your life?
I can do more, feel better. This was a wonderful Blog Thanks Nicole.
- 5/21/2011 11:19:44 AM
But now that I have forced myself to push through the tough days, I actually enjoy and look forward to a workout. I am disappointed when something comes up in my schedule that keeps me from a Zumba class or if the weather is too treacherous to get out and walk a 5K.
And I disagree with the author on one point only: for me, the Biggest Loser has been a source of inspiration. Yes, the workouts on there look very demanding; but they show me where I will be someday as I also lose weight. I'm losing it a lot slower than they are, but I'm not stupid. I realize the circumstances are different and I am totally content with my slow - but steady - weight loss. When I watch the Biggest Loser, I see what I can push myself to, the kinds of exercises I can explore and try. It is easy for a lot of people - including myself - to take one look at me and start giving me limits. The Biggest Loser inspires me to stops looking at my limits and start contemplating my potential. - 5/20/2011 4:51:05 AM
When I started SP this past January, I had been doing NO exercise for several years, and dreaded doing it.
Now I LOVE it. Exercise adds so much that is positive to my life. I lost 10 pounds, and am starting to really like the way my body looks and feels.
I love walking on my treadmill, and am constantly setting new upper limits.
For me, exercise is now JOY instead of DREAD! - 5/20/2011 12:27:13 AM
Now, if I go more than a day without doing something, anything, I feel HORRIBLE. I am not saying that getting to the gym is always the easiest thing to do. Sometimes I am tired, lazy, or just don't care. But once I am there, and especially after I am done the workout-oh how wonderful I feel. It is my place to be just for ME. It is my sanity in an otherwise insane world! It is how I challenge myself to try new things. It is when I push my body to limits I never knew it could go.
I LOVE exercise! - 5/19/2011 3:28:41 PM
I never did care for most athletic activities They are not fun for me. I do like working with dumbbells and am trying to find cardio I can do. Right now I focus on walking briskly as often as possible and as far as I can without severe pain. I used to like bike riding and hope to resume as my physical condition and family responsibilities permit. Interesting video but I couldn't read the red words and didn't relate to the video at all. Sorry. Just the way I feel. I am in pain every day and choose exercise as one of my tools for managing the pain.
- 5/19/2011 12:30:04 PM
A few years ago I upped my intensity (thanks to Jillian Michaels videos) and w/the combination of a better diet I lost the extra weight I was carrying around. Now I like to challenge myself with tough DVDs and try new workouts. I'm more confident to try new things, and I'm not so hung up about when I "fail" at them - I know I'm strong in other aspects, so I it doesn't bother me if I struggle with other things (like tennis or volleyball, or any sports really).
High-intensity exercise has also been a life-saver for me dealing with anxiety/depression issues. I've been able to be med-free for a couple years now, and I know the workouts I do help me deal with stressors in my life.
I LOVE EXERCISE! - 5/19/2011 12:25:40 PM
- 5/19/2011 8:38:23 AM
But reading this blog entry has made me see that perhaps if I stick with it and work at it a bit, i'll come to love it too. I doubt it, but what's the harm in trying, eh? - 5/19/2011 6:12:26 AM
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