Health- Working Out For YOU

I went to a workout class a few days ago while I was back at home for Thanksgiving and during the class, the instructor was chanting to the beat of the song to "really work up a sweat so that you can eat the thanksgiving pie later".  In the moment that seemed like a valid statement to make since Thanksgiving is quite obviously notorious for over-indulgence.  However, after the class I started to resent what the instructor was saying.  Working out to simply look a certain way, or to be able to justify certain foods should not be the primary focus of exercising.  I am not denying that it plays a role, but it should not be the sole purpose for working out.  I've come up with a few reasons why you should work out for YOU and also some reasons to simply work out in general.  Enjoy!

1.  Endorphins:  Endorphins are peptides that function as a neurotransmitter and are stimulated during hyperactivity.  Need a translation?  Endorphins are what give you that mysterious "runners high" and general lift in mental health and are stimulated during exercise.  If you are having a bad day, it can be so tempting to lay in bed and watch chick flicks all day and you can do that, but exercise first!  You might be surprised at how much your spirits will be lifted after even a simple workout.  Exercise in any form is one of the best ways to cure those lethargic, mopey, and tired feelings that every college student experiences.

2.  Self Sufficiency and Empowerment:  It is incredibly easy to slip into the pattern of letting others determine how happy you are going to be.  My advice is to not let that happen.  The purpose of exercising should be about making yourself happy and feeling good.  Whatever intentions motivate that statement are personal, but do not let other people decide if you need to exercise or not.  That is 100% up to you and I promise, you will feel better about exercising when it was your idea and no one else's. When you do it for you, and not for your mother, the new dress, or society, you will feel empowered.  It feels good to be strong- physically and mentally because it feels like you can conquer anything.

3*.  Mother Nature: Being a collegiate athlete, I've learned that a gym is a luxury and privilege.  If you do not have access to a gym, that is not a reason to skip the exercise!  Mother nature is the world's greatest gym if you ask me since you can run, hike, bike, ski, play games, etc!  Those girls who stand on the elliptical for hours at a time are doing nothing but burning empty calories.  They aren't even the calories you should burn!  Being active by running around and working different muscle groups simultaneously will help you burn fat as well as sculpt your entire body.  Pretty cool right?  I think so.

4.  Fit is a Lifestyle:  Being fit is about exercising to be mentally and physically strong, eating clean, and treating your body right.  If you want to be fit and healthy, don't attend the exercise classes five days a week to burn the calories on the breakfast you ate earlier.   It doesn't count to exercise for two hours just so you can drink at a party later.  Not drinking, or watching your intake in addition to working out is living a clean lifestyle that makes up being fit.  Your body is a temple, treat it carefully.

Those are some of my reasons for working out.  It makes me feel good and that helps me in other aspects of my life as well.  Working out is not that hard, dedicate an hour a day and that's it!

* a gym is not necessary *

xo,

Alexandra S.