What motivates you to exercise? Some people have no trouble finding motivation, while others avoid exercise like the plague. We tend to associate exercise with physical health, and there are unbelievable physical health benefits to regular exercise (even in very small doses!). But exercise is good for your soul, and it requires strength of mind and spirit. When you're feeling down, or the weather has been "ugh" for days, it's hard to get out the door! When stress at work or at home builds up, it can feel next to impossible to go for a run, walk, or hit the gym. And ironically, exercise is probably the most affordable AND most effective medicine a doctor could prescribe in these cases.
People often assume because I am a health & fitness expert, motivation to exercise just comes naturally. Not the case! I have struggled with motivation to exercise, eat healthy, you name it. Becoming a mom was probably the most eye-opening health & fitness experience of my life. We are all in this journey (and sometimes it feels more like a battle, I know) together!
When I was young, I was always involved in sports. I competed in gymnastics for over a decade and then transitioned to track & field in high school and college. I loved sports! I loved competing. I loved the lime light...probably a bit too much at times. The nature of individual sports like these often promotes an individualistic mentality, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. I was sooo competitive in my sports. I was not the best by any means, but I know that I let my athletic achievements go to my head...and worse yet, become my identity in a way. It took me years to view exercise as something other than a "who is the best" kind of endeavor. "Exercise for fun? I don't get it. Who had the best performance? Who won the race? Who jumped the highest?"
Sports have been an incredible part of my life, but I have found there is a happy balance that must be attained for exercise to remain a healthy practice. Don't get me wrong, competitive sports have numerous benefits. But we are not defined by our athletic talents and accomplishments (or any earthly accomplishments for that matter!). This was a lesson that personally, took me years to grasp.
As a collegiate coach, this is something I try to remind my athletes of on a regular basis. And sometimes that comes at a cost. I am far more concerned that the athletes I coach are hard working individuals who care for their teammates, classmates, family and friends than that they take home every trophy. At the end of our lives, no one will care how many trophies we won, but how many lives we touched. Our eternal impact far outweighs our earthly treasures.
So, may I suggest a healthier way to view exercise? Try viewing exercise as a gift to yourself; something you prioritize each week to improve your health from the inside out. Not only will you being doing a great service to your physical body, but your mental, emotional, social and spiritual health will all benefit as well. Here are few things that may aid you as you shift your exercise perspective. They have certainly helped me.
~ Exercise is medicine.
Truly, exercise is the cheapest, most effective preventive medicine you can find! It is far more
effective than any pill you will find on the shelves at your local pharmacy, and it offers
innumerable benefits that go far beyond the physical realm.
~ It is stress relief.
Chronic exercise reduces cortisol levels and reduces risk for just about every disease known to
man!
~ It is time alone to reflect and pray.
We all need a little quiet time. I often find my best reflection and most focused prayers are
offered up while running (that's just what I enjoy doing...now at least.My journey to running
could be a blog post all its own!). A busy house isn't always ideal for quiet time. Give yourself
the gift of a few minutes each day along to gather your thoughts and offer up praise.
~ It is time to connect with friends and share healthy behaviors with our children.
"Two are better than one." This scripture rings true for exercise as well as life. We are far more
likely to make our exercise intentions a reality if a friend is along for the journey. Exercise
buddies provide accountability and make the process so much more enjoyable!
~ Do not be conformed to this world...
Oh man! This one is hard. Society tells us (screams at us) from every direction, telling us what
we should look like, what we should wear, what trends we should follow...and so much more.
It's exhausting. But the good news is...we're not called to follow the trends of this world! We
were made for a higher purpose. While it may be difficult, I encourage you to exercise for your
health and well-being rather than for the outward appearance that may result from your
exercise goals. We were made for so much more than outward appearance.
~ Exercise honors God as we take care of our bodies; we're only given one for this life!
Our bodies are a gift. We did not create them. How we treat our bodies on earth (what we eat
& drink, the activities we engage in, the physical training we do) can bring honor (or
dishonor) to God. I know it sounds a little harsh, but we were bought at a price. Our bodies
are not our own. And it helps me to remember that my actions are my gift back to God. It
doesn't mean that I succeed in my exercise endeavors every day. But I keep trying. Keep
trying with me friends. The reward, both now and eternally, is oh so worth it!
Do you have specific questions regarding your own exercise goals? Please reach out! I'd love to help!
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