Yes, those are the questions I have asked myself many times in thinking about taking time to exercise. It's hard to decide to do something that doesn't feel good or produce instant results. Needing to do it is one thing but wanting to do it is completely another. Who really wants to walk, jog, or run anywhere unless it's for a live-or-die purpose? Who really wants to stretch, move, or lift weights to any uncomfortable degree unless it's to avoid red ants or snake bites or rescue a child from a turned-over toy box?
Hubby refers to people who are into body building or run marathons as "animals". I suppose, to some level, they must be to have such a primal need to exert themselves. There is the hunting instinct and there is the prey reaction: run for your life! That phrase is posted on our fridge, along with others that I am using to keep me motivated. I have walked more than 12 miles, this week, on purpose, out of choice, deciding to make the time and get it done.
Today, however, seems to be one of those days where I actually want to. I don't know how I got here but, honestly, it feels really good! At no other time in my life have I ever wanted to hurt and sweat and puff my way through 3 miles. Some people actually look pretty when they work out, even elegant. Not me. I look like someone needs to call 911 and scrape me off the pavement onto a gurney.
In asking why, however, these points were brought up by Chris Gomes:
1. Look better. By burning calories and building lean muscle, a regular exercise program will reshape your body by replacing unwanted body fat with muscular tone and definition. Who doesn't want to look better?There is probaby at least one thing in that list that any one of us would truly want. And if that's what we want, something needs to be done to achieve it, right? So, exercise is the answer. And just know that, in God's power and strength, it can happen!
2. Feel better. There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment that comes with setting and achieving a goal such as working out three times this week. You can do that, right?
3. Be better. Regular exercise improves your balance, coordination, stamina and agility. Simple everyday tasks are performed more efficiently and effectively. Life can be easier.
4. Live longer. One of the greatest benefits of physical exercise is that it has been shown to increase life expectancy. Those who exercise regularly are less susceptible to disease and illness and will typically outlive their sedentary counterparts.
5. Reduce stress. Exercise can provide an outlet for negative feelings and emotions. We all deal with stress, to some extent, each day, and a great workout can help to release these feelings in a positive way.
6. Reduce blood pressure. Why is exercise important to your blood pressure? Exercise strengthens and improves the function of the heart. A stronger heart has to beat less often to supply the body with blood, reducing high blood pressure.
7. Enhance mood. Research has shown that exercise can be a powerful antidepressant. The endorphins released during exercise (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) act as a natural mood enhancer and can leave you feeling euphoric.
8. Improve recovery time. Your body can be trained to repair and rebuild itself quicker during times of recovery from illness or injury with a regular exercise program. Less down time is definitely one of the benefits of physical exercise.
9. Sleep better. The natural rise and fall in body temperature caused by exercise can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep more easily, and remain in a deep sleep for a longer period of time. When you are physically tired, you sleep more soundly.
10. Build confidence. Knowing that you are doing something positive for your body and improving the way you look is a tremendous builder of self esteem and promotes a strong self image.
Glory
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