Motivation

5 Fitness Facts As Motivation Tools

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Have you been slacking off on your workout program at the American Family Fitness gym? Have you parked yourself on the couch at home and on your chair in the office? Have you lost the motivation to even lift a finger toward exercise?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you can take heart! You’re not a hopeless couch potato case – you’re just slipping into the point where motivation becomes the bigger issue. You probably became too busy or too lazy but there’s hope when you consider these five fitness facts.

Think of these fitness facts as your motivation tools. When you think of them, you will be more likely to get up off the couch and start getting to the gym to resume your exercise program.  You can even take it one day at a time for as long as you’re now doing something concrete.

#1 Healthier Mind and Body, Better Relationships

Of course, you shouldn’t embark on a workout program for the sake of others, whether it’s to impress your crush, keep your marriage intact, or keep your job. Your best workout motivation will always be doing it for yourself because you want to feel and look better. You may also be tired of being tired all the time, or tired of not fitting into the clothes you like, or tired of being in the hospital often.

When you have attained a healthier mind and body through regular and proper exercise, you will be surprised that your personal and professional relationships can become better. This isn’t a 100% guarantee obviously but when you feel better about yourself, you will also treat yourself better and expect better treatment from others.

So, get off the couch and start exercising! Better yet, you should bring along your mate, even your family and friends, on your workouts. You will all love the social support.

#2 Fitter Body, Better Brain

Physical exercise actually translates to mental power! This is because exercise increases physical energy levels that, in turn, increases serotonin levels in the brain. The result: You will observe improved cognitive function and mental clarity, both of which are crucial in productivity during the day, whether you’re in the office giving a presentation or at home organizing the garage.

But that’s not all either. The increase in serotonin levels also means better mood so you have more mental energy to cope with the day’s stress and pressure. Your officemates may be harried but you still have the energy to push through with the task.

#3 More Exercise, More Energized Feeling

Many people avoid exercising because they are too tired or they don’t want to become too tired afterwards. On the contrary, regular exercise will result in a more energized body! Even 30 minutes of Zumba dancing during the day can change your entire day, thanks to the amount of endorphins released into your bloodstream.

Endorphins are the feel-good hormones that contribute to higher energy levels during the day. You will also find that you have more energy to accomplish daily tasks, such as carrying your groceries.

While you will feel more tired after the first few days of regular moderate exercise, your body will grow accustomed to it until you have more energy than ever. You will also feel the difference between everyday fatigue and tiredness after a workout.

#4 More Exercise, Lesser Stress Levels

Don’t be stressed out by the thought of exercising either. Once you start exercising, you will feel your stress levels being reduced. Your stress will always be there obviously – it is part of our biological makeup – but you now have more effective coping strategies. You can, for example, take deep breaths learned from yoga classes to calm down your body during a stressful period in the office.

You will find that the blues can be kept at bay, too. In fact, doctors suggest moderate exercise for people who have been diagnosed with depression because of such a positive effect.

And when you’re less stressed, your relationships with other people will likely improve. You’re less irritable and less easily prone to hissing fits.

#5 Exercise Now, Ward Off Disease Later

Exercise isn’t just about looking and feeling better although it’s a primary motivation. You will also benefit from exercise in the form of reduced risks of chronic degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Your body will also be less likely to suffer from the effects of natural aging, such as aches and pains in your joints.

Just don’t overdo your exercise since it can also result in injuries and illnesses. Where necessary, ask your doctor for medical advice and hire a personal trainer for better results.

And if you think that it’s so hard to find the time for exercise, you will be surprised at the easy ways that it can be incorporated into your daily life. The trick is in using your time in a wiser manner, such as combining quality time with your kids and exercise – take them for bike rides around the park, for example.