What motivates you to exercise? Maybe it’s a specific goal you’ve set for yourself, or a desire to get fit, or outside encouragement from friends and family. Via text message, we asked some participants what motivates them to exercise, and here are some of the answers.
“Great stress reducer and time to problem solve”
Exercise can be great for your emotional health as well as your physical health. Exercise boosts endorphins, brain chemicals that improve your sense of well-being and decrease anxiety. Plus, focusing on a singular task while exercising will help you to forget about stressful parts of your life for a few minutes. So if you have had a bad day, or if you feel like you’re in a rut, exercise can help to clear your mind.
“I work out with a group of folks that we lean on as a motivator”
Exercising with others can help to set a regular workout schedule, plus you might be influenced by your friends’ workout habits. By exercising with a group, you can set goals and work toward them together, getting support along the way. See last week’s blog post for more tips for exercising with others!
“Weight control and increased energy.”
Weight control and physical health are common reasons for exercising — but don’t forget about the emotional benefits! If you’re feeling low on energy, you may want to take a nap instead of going to the gym, but studies have shown that exercise can actually decrease fatigue and increase energy.
If you are deciding whether or not to exercise today, think about what provides motivation for you. From weight loss to stress reduction, there are countless benefits of working out regularly. Keep texting us your ideas and feedback!
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