7 Reasons to Work Out (that don’t include weight loss)

Often, when people decide to start exercising, they vow to ‘get fit’ and ‘tone up’ and their initial motivation is weight loss and aesthetic goals. Starting each day by staring at a number on the scales or pinching the skin around your waist is both tedious and uninspiring. Personally, I focus more on how exercising makes me feel. As a PT and a trainer, I always want people to leave my class feeling energised and happy. The post sweat feel good factor is good for both your body and mind.

If you’ve been lacking in motivation lately, and you keep starting over again, then maybe try focusing on how you feel instead of how you look.

1. Get Social –
   It’s always great to feel like part of a community of like minded people. I’ve met some great mates through running groups and fitness classes. All those endorphins make for a pretty friendly bunch.
2. Just for fun –
   Fitness doesn’t have to be boring. My third date with my husband was at an indoor climbing wall. (Of course I had to marry him!) It was awesome to try something new, although the harness wasn’t very sexy. 🙂 If you’re not a fan of the gym and you’re bored by a room full of tree poses, then find another way to get active.
3. Stress Less – 
   We all live fast, busy lives and it’s easy to get stressed out and overwhelmed. Exercise is proven to boost your mood and it can really help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Both running and swimming  are particular good for this. If you’re feeling mega stressed out I wouldn’t suggest a really tough HIIT session with loud music. Choose a way to exercise that will leave you feeling calmer and reenergised.
4. Confidence – 
   If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ll know that I often talk about confidnec. I’ve seen how taking on fitness challenges can really improve women’s confidence and self esteem. A great example is when you sign up to run a 10K race for the first time, you train for a few months, you get fitter and stronger, you have to be disciplined and stick to your training plan, (especially when you best mate/ boyfriend thought that you’d give up after two weeks), you run the race and you cross the finish line, you get a shiny medal and you feel like a world champion! You think hey if I can do that, then I can do anything. It’s a great way to prove to yourself that you can focus and achieve whatever you put your mind to.
5. Deep sleep –
   If you struggle to switch off at the end of the day or you’re generally not a very good sleeper, then exercising could be a game changer! Trust me when I was training for the London marathon earlier this year , I was literally passed out by 10pm most nights. I find cycling and swimming have a similar affect too. Get moving, then get to bed!
6. Brain Power-
   Increased oxygen to the brain will boost your creativity and productivity. Who doesn’t want that!? Try cycling to work in the mornings and get your smarty pants on. 🙂
7. Live Longer –
   Okay so I’m not a Dr and I don’t know the exact stats, so you can either take my word for it or Google it. Apparently, exercising at least three time each week will improve your health so significantly that you’ll actually live longer. Not to mention that it can reduce your risk of cardiac disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer too.

What are you waiting for? dust of that fit kit and get moving! If you switch your focus and find a new reason to exercise, you’ll probably see the positive effects on your body too. Please don’t ever compare your body to anyone else’s, we all have different shapes, sizes and body types. Do something that makes you feel good and remember, exercising is about more than just burning calories.