7 Ways Regular Exercise Will Improve Your Life {Besides the Obvious.}

We all know that exercise is good for us.  Exercise burns calories, will give us a greater chance at fighting diseases, and…Hello:  Exercise makes us live longer?!  That ought to be enough to motivate us to workout regularly, right?

But it’s still hard for a lot of people to motivate.  Working out takes time.  It makes you sweat.  Then you have to shower.  And that takes time.  Then you have more laundry.  And…yes: Time.

Seriously, life is busy, I get that.  And we all have plenty of things on our little to-do lists.   Besides exercise.

But aside from health and weight, and well, living a long time…What about the side benefits of exercise?  The perks.  Bonuses.  Extras.  Maybe some of these things will help motivate you.

Here are seven of my top motivations for working out:

1.  Working out makes you feel strong, confident, and capable all day long.
Got a tough job to tackle?  Heck, “I just ran three miles in the rain.  What can’t I do?”
Have to face a mountain of laundry?  “Remember those weights I just threw around?  Laundry’s got nothing on me!”
Need to confront your boss?  “After that kick-boxing workout?  I could take on anyone with confidence.”

2.  You’ll have more energy all day long.
It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s the truth.  A good workout will get the blood pumping, the endorphins flowing, and you’ll have more energy for hours.  Have you ever noticed how lethargic you feel after a slow and mellow morning?  But after morning workout?  Not so.

3. Working out makes you sleep better
After having that energy boost all day, you’ll definitely crash harder and sleep sounder at night.  Or if you’re like me, your energy will dip mid-afternoon and you might take a very satisfying power nap.  A tired body = good sleep, whenever it hits.

4.  It improves your sex life. 
Feeling good about yourself + more energy/endorphins + better sleep = Yep.

5.  Working out gives you an excuse to not do other things.  
If you make your workouts a legit part of your life, you get to say no to things that you really don’t want to do.

When you’re offered junk food that you really don’t want.  “Are you kidding?  After that workout — I just can’t.”  
When you’re invited out for a late night with friends when you really want to snuggle on the couch in yoga pants and fall asleep to your favorite TV show.  “Sorry, I have to be up early for Cross Fit.”
Just about any morning invitation/obligation?  Most people will accept a “I’m really trying to workout for my health” excuse.  (even if they then hate you because they’re jealous.)

6.  (my personal favorite) You get your very best ideas during workouts. 
I would say that 75% of my blog post ideas come while I’m exercising.   (The other 25% are in the shower but that’s another study.)  Working out is the prime time for our brain to think up all kinds of great things.
 Relationship in a funk?  Workout and new solutions might just come to you.
Need ideas for a project?  Exercise.  You’ll be amazed at how the creativity flows.
Got writers block?  Go for a run.  It’s almost guaranteed to help.

Endorphins are amazing.  They’re also good for you.  And legal.
You’d be crazy not to want a good dose of them, and often

7.  Working out gives you bragging rights.  (even if you have to keep them to yourself.)
When your kids tells you they had to run a mile in PE today, you smile, knowing you ran four.
When your husband tells you he rocked his business meeting, you pat him on the back, thinking you rocked your spin class.
When you walk a little funny from sore quads, or sit slowly from the tight gluts, you smile knowing it’s all because you…worked out.

To get these benefits you need exercise to be a regular part of your life.  Experts suggest 4-5 days a week, at least thirty minutes a day.  In this season of my life, I settle for 3-4 times a week.  But whatever you do, make your workout count (i.e., sweat.  challenge yourself.)  And be consistent.

The best way to get consistent?

Find something fun, and figure out what motivates you:
The social aspect?  Find a buddy or a gym to join.
Nature?  Find a safe place to get outside — somewhere you can go no matter the weather.
Multitasking?  I have found my time on the elliptical is fantastic for multi-tasking.  I listen to podcasts, take notes, and even catch up on social media, all while sweating my booty off.  Win win win. 

What is your greatest motivation for working out?  Any side benefits I missed?  Share in comments!

Have an awesome weekend, and get some exercise, K?  (You know it’ll make you live longer. {wink.})

ALSO:  If you haven’t checked out my book yet, click HERE to read about it.  A whole lot of healthy inspiration for your food and exercise life found in this short and easy read.  Thanks! 🙂

With Aloha,
Monica