As Nike would say, just do it.
I
have been exercising regularly for years now, and although I don't
have a six pack and I can't crush a coconut under my biceps, exercise has
brought so many positive changes in my life, that I am now a big
advocate of working out. Hence why I decided to dedicate a whole post
about why you should start exercising, if you don't do it yet. Trust
me, it's not as bad as it seems, and it will do you a whole lot of
good. See with my four points here...
1. EXERCISING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
There
is something for everyone. Those who are intimidated at the thought
of working out often only picture heavy weights, sweating and
panting, and painful muscles. The truth is, it is not like that most
of the time. Most people actually do more gentle workouts, and the
weight training is left to those who are very passionate about it and
make it into their lifestyle. There are tons of gentle pilates
workouts for beginners, as well as short cardio exercises, that you
can do to get your body moving. There are dance classes, swimming
groups, but you can also work out from home with videos that you can
watch in advance and pick specifically to suit your body and your
ability. Most of us can exercise and find a way to make it work. It
only takes a little bit of research, and a lot of good will. So get
started now!
2. EXERCISE IS PART OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
I
have found that once I started working out, I became more careful
about my health in general. Exercising gave me the motivation to look
at the bigger picture. I started following a few fitness and
lifestyle accounts (without becoming completely obsessed) and I
started thinking about how I am helping, or not, my body on a daily
basis. This means thinking about what I feed my body, for example,
and whether I am healthy on the inside. If you start working out, you
will quickly realise that it is not all about looks. It is not all
about abs. It is about how you take care of your body, so that it
does amazing things. This is where the healthier lifestyle comes in:
you think about the nutrients your body needs, and how you should
nourish your skin, massage your muscles, and take care of yourself in
lots of different ways. It is all part of a learning process, and I
do feel like I have known my body much better since I started working
out, and it has pushed me to be a healthier version of myself - which
is always as step in the right direction, especially as we get older.
3. IT IMPROVES YOUR BODY...
I
don't mean that you should exercise to have super strong abs and
biceps as big as rugby balls. Though it may be the goal for some, it
is also another of the things that won't happen to most people when
they work out anyway. I have been working out for ages, and yet my
flat stomach is yet to be seen, though I do have a lot of muscle
definition that I did not have before I started. No, what I mean by
improving your body is that your muscles will become so much stronger
for every day tasks. My back pain has massively reduced since I
started working out my arms and back a few months ago - I used to not
care about that top part of my body, and would have uncomfortable
back ache almost every other day. In January I started consistenly
working out my back and arms, and the difference is almost too good
to be true! Muscles hold your body together, and it is just as
important to keep them strong, as it is to give calcium to your bones
to keep them healthy. The more your muscles can support your body in
its everyday labours, the less pain you'll feel. Your posture
improves, the muscles around your knee tighten their grip and you can
walk for longer, carry heavier loads (solo shopping anyone?) and
altogether have a stronger body to lead you wherever you want to go
in life.
4. ... AND IT IMPROVES YOUR MIND
I
am no scientist, but I do know that exercising releases endorphins,
the hormone of happiness and pleasure - and it is a very common
remark that people who work out say it improves their mood massively
and makes them feel happier. I agree with that statement, as whenever
I work out I feel much better after (even on the days when I can't
really be bothered to start the workout... it all gets much better
once it's happening.) I feel proud of my accomplishments, proud of my
body and mind, for taking me thus far, and ready to seize the rest of
the day and whatever comes my way. Exercise is also a journey, and as
all journeys, is infused with a lot of introspection, self-care, and
development. Basically, it makes you happy, guys - if you keep
practicing in a safe, healthy mindset. You grow with your exercise
practice like you would with your job, your personal life or your
hobbies. Move your body, and it will move your mind as well.
Do you work out? What are your tips for beginners?
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
