5 Other Reasons to Exercise

 

I made a conscious decision a while back to have a consistent workout routine.  I’ve blogged about the spin classes, yoga classes and other ways I’m getting in my daily steps, and a common theme in all of those posts has been weight loss.  Now we all know that weight loss tends to have a direct correlation with working out, but there are a few other reasons why I decided to exercise.

 

Fewer sick days – I work in an office with other people.  Quite a few of those people have school-aged children and I don’t know about schools in y’all’s area, but they’re breeding grounds for germs here.  It seems like it only takes one person catching a cold or the flu from their kids before it’s passed around the office (partly because people don’t want to use the PTO days and stay home when their sick, but that’s another issue).  I will say that I’ve been feeling pretty darn good since I started working out consistently.  That Spring gunk that I typically get this time of year hasn’t happened, and *knocks on wood* hopefully it won’t.

 

Sounder sleep – I’ve been on a sleep schedule for almost two years now so I was already sleeping pretty well, but I’ve noticed that I sleep better now that I’m working out after work.  I’m one of those people who gets exhausted after working out, so a midday class isn’t too life-giving for me.  Plus I feel like I don’t get a full workout when I do those because I have to cut my routine short to get ready to go back to work.  I take off all of my makeup when I workout so that means that I would have to reapply my face as well as shower and that’s not something that can be done in 15 minutes.  I know it works for some, but it just doesn’t work for me.  Plus it leaves me so tired at work for the rest of the day.  I’m not as productive as I should be because I’m ready to curl up and take a nap.

 

Weight loss is nice, but here are 5 other reasons I exercise. Share on X

 

More energy – Now I know this might sound like the exact opposite of what I just mentioned previously, but hear me out.  Yes, I’m exhausted after my workout but I’m super energetic the rest of the day.  I’ve been able to cut back on my caffeine intake and I feel like I’m able to do more in my days.

 

Less stress – And I’m not just talking about stressing out over the number on the scale or about my health, I’m talking about stress in general.  I find myself letting a lot more roll off of my back now and I like it!

 

Happy happy, joy joy – You know that scene in ‘Legally Blonde’ when one of Elle’s arguments was that her client couldn’t have murdered her husband because she was a trainer who exercised constantly and exercising releases endorphins that make you happy?  Well it’s true, exercising does release endorphins that make you happy.  I might complain about the soreness that comes after leg day, but my overall happiness has increased significantly since I’ve started this regimen.

 

Like I said, I know people typically start a workout regimen to lose weight or stay fit, but keep these additional benefits in mind too.  Comment below or tweet me and let me know any other benefits you’ve come across by working out consistently!