Four (Great) Reasons to Start Exercising
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
22 commentaires
Aw great tips Julia! These will make exercising so much easier, I love the idea of taking it gently and not having to overexert yourself, it makes exercising a lot more appealing, especially finding great workout ideas and inspiration from youtube vids and social media. It makes it a really fun thing to do instead of just going on a treadmill! I hope you had a lovely Easter! :D xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
I only work out with YouTube videos too! There's so much out there that you can find anything that fits perfectly for you. I hope you had a great Easter too Elizabeth! xx
DeleteI am a huge advocate of exercising too, it just helps so much with your overall mood and health. I make much healthier food choices when I have an exercise routine in place than I do if I don't. And the benefits just get more noticeable as we age, working out just keeps us more agile and prevents diseases and injuries. If done adapted to your fitness level that is, but like you said: There is something for everyone out there.
ReplyDeleteIt really does change your everyday mood so much. All your points are right and thank you for adding them up to what I wrote - prevention is always key! xx
DeleteGorgeous article, thanks for sharing these motivating tips! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading Monica! xx
DeleteThank you for these tips, Julia! Although I'm not a big fan of exercising, I've been doing a lot of zumba, but maybe one of these days I might get into jogging :)
ReplyDeletesarahrizaga.blogspot.com
Zumba is definitely exercising! You go girl! xx
DeleteI used to hate exercising but now, if I go even a few days without a run, I start getting antsy!
ReplyDeletexo Deborah
Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes
Haha it gets addictive doesn't it? xx
DeleteI agree with everything you said. I do feel better and can do more when I'm at home tiding up or shopping or I can take longer walks while on holiday.
ReplyDeleteMy gym has a pool too, so I try to go to the pool once a week. It doesn't feel like I'm exercising, but I do and it is amazing.
The pool is definitely a great one for the body! xx
DeleteI don't work out as much as some people do, but I think that even a bit is beneficial, and I definitely see small improvements in my body when I've been keeping it up for a while. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
Small improvements add up so much in the long run! Keep up with your efforts Kate! xx
DeleteThese are good points Julia; there really are only good things to gain by exercising - both mentally and physically! I hope you're having a lovely week so far babe :)
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com x
Exactly Gabrielle, there are only good things! Thanks for reading! xx
DeleteI've been trying to get into exercising, I think I just have the wrong approach and expect immediate results. I need to look at it more in a long-term as you describe here and observe the health benefits. Well, that's some motivation for me!
ReplyDeletexx A. | mylondonandbeyond.wordpress.com
You should definitely think long-term, even though it's hard. Trust me, I am the same: whenever I finish a session I look into the mirror waiting to see the results haha! However it makes it even more rewarding to make this a whole-life project :) xx
DeleteI have started running lately, and I have surprisingly very enjoyed it !
ReplyDeletehttp://thefrenchiestblog.home.blog
I hope you're still enjoying it as much! xx
DeleteGreat post! I like how you mention there is something for everyone. I have never been very active but I found running with a friend motivates me.
ReplyDeleteHints of Pearl
Thank you Perla! Getting a friend involved is indeed a great way to motivate yourself :D xx
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