Motivations to Hit the Gym!

I was browsing on the Women’s Health Magazine online when I saw an article with the title ‘8 Motivating Reasons to Hit the Gym.’ Readers had written in on why they keep active, and WH picked out the top 8. It was interesting to see what inspired others to keep up with their workouts, and I noticed that many of their reasons were some of the top reasons why I keep myself motivated. Keep reading to see the top 8!

1. To Battle Depression. Working out has been seen as a great way to overcome depressions, because of the endorphins the body releases during exercise. When I am having a particularly rough day, turning to the gym or hitting my yoga mat can often distress me and help me think clearer.
2. To Feel Sexy. One Women’s Health reader wrote in and said she began taking pole dancing lessons.  Not only was she learning sexy moves and gaining confidence, her body began to firm up and she dropped a couple jean sizes. I’ve never taken pole dancing lessons myself, but have done Carmen Electra’s Striptease DVD’s, so I can understand about learning sexy moves while getting a great workout.
3. To Stay Healthy. I began a steady workout routine a few years back when I learned I had high cholesterol (hereditary in my family). Each time I work up a sweat from a great routine I feel like I am continually improving my heart health, one of the best motivators.
4. For the Kids. I don’t have children myself, but I can certainty understand why this is a top motivator. Keeping yourself healthy is not only great for you, but can also influence your children to workout and stay active
5. To Achieve New Goals. It is always nice to set goals for yourself; then you reach them you feel a heightened sense of accomplishment.  Keeping a goal is a great motivator to keep pushing even when you don’t feel up to it, especially if you give yourself an incentive, such as a new outfit or trip to the spa.
6. To Feel Happier. Working out can give similar benefits when battling depressions, because of the endorphins being released.
7. To Build Stamina. Maintaining a good workout routine will help build and a keep a strong stamina. Whether you need it for your work, taking care of kids, or to do activities you love, working out can help provide the energy and strength to do that.
8. To Have Your Cake (And Eat it Too!) This is one of my big reasons to continually work out. I’m not the best eater (I say that very loosely!) and often fill up on fast foods or chips. Working out not only relieves some part of my mind about possibly keeping those extra pounds off, but after I complete a good workout, I find that I don’t want to eat junk. Usually the best meals I eat come from after a workout, where I am feeling good about myself and would rather not ruin the great job I just did.

Photo Credit: Women’s Health Magazine