Last week, I was feeling off-balance and didn’t know why. My stress elevated and my thoughts had become dangerously inconsistent.
To process, I went to the only place that makes sense when all seems disoriented: gym.
It was around 5:30 in the afternoon as the sun began to set, the herd of gym-goers started rushing in, but I continued to work out, oblivious of my surroundings. Pushing my limits until I could no longer lift, satisfaction rising to the surface. I worked out for over an hour.
Which reminded me of why I workout at all.
I workout for mood. I feel myself when I’m working out. Working out is like a bad mood repellent, boosting production of brain chemicals that ease stress and anxiety and makes me feel happier and more relaxed. I workout not for the purpose of being featured or being praised, but for the thrill of lifting weights and overall; growing. I workout for love of the sport, for the sake of working out itself.
I workout for confidence. Seeing the results of my workouts give my self-image and self-confidence a boost that spills over into other areas of my life. Knowing that I’m doing something positive for my body and improving the way I look and feel is a tremendous builder of my confidence.
I workout for health. To be in the best shape and health of my life and reduce the risk of serious diseases. Because working out synthesizes my overall well being & gives me strength for daily activities.
I workout for myself. To become a better person, inside and out. Working out is a lifestyle that I have grown to love. It gives me the attributes I need to make the most of my life.
I workout because I can’t imagine not doing so. Because in working out, I become a little bit more of myself.
Why do you workout?
I asked some folks on Facebook the reasons they workout, and here were some of my favorites:
I’d love to invite you into the discussion.