Why you should workout
Benefits of workouts goes way beyond the scale
If you’re someone who dreads the thought of exercising each day but knows you need to, this post is for you. You wake up thinking, “I need to work out,” but the idea of dragging yourself through yet another workout feels overwhelming. You may not have found a routine that excites you, or perhaps you’ve been bogged down by the idea that fitness has to be all or nothing—an intense, sweat-dripping, muscle-burning experience every time. Let’s change that mindset and find an approach to movement that you actually enjoy.
The Shift from Exercise to Movement
Exercise has gotten a bad rap over the years, mainly because of how we’ve been conditioned to think about it. It used to be all about weight loss—move more, eat less. Then, the focus shifted to strength and conditioning, which is fantastic. However, with that shift came the “go hard or go home” mentality. Now, many feel pressured to leave it all on the gym floor, and for women especially, this can lead to exhaustion, adrenal fatigue, and even injury.
But here’s the good news: there’s another way to approach exercise.
Just like with diets—where you can choose from keto, paleo, Whole30, or plant-based options—there are countless ways to move your body. From yoga and Pilates to running and strength training, you’ve got options. And while each approach has its benefits, the key is to take a step back and look at the trends they share.
Finding the Common Ground
Across all fitness programs, whether you’re strength training or running, a few key trends emerge: moving your body through different ranges of motion, adjusting your speed, and changing your resistance. If you incorporate these elements into your routine, you’ll find success—without the need to follow just one fitness trend or workout style.
Start with What You Love
First and foremost, find something you enjoy. This might take a little experimentation, but it’s worth it. Whether it’s a walk outside, dancing, yoga, or a quick weightlifting session, stick with the movement that brings you joy. Don’t worry if your preferences change over time.
For example, if you’re a runner or a spin class enthusiast, enjoy those activities. But if you start experiencing aches or find your body no longer responds as it used to, it might be time to switch things up. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
How to Incorporate Movement into Your Day
What if you’re short on time? Here’s a tip: break your workout into small, manageable pieces. Instead of trying to carve out 30 or 60 minutes for a full workout, aim for shorter bursts of movement throughout the day. For instance:
- Strength Training: I recommend five-minute strength exercises. You can find several on my YouTube page, featuring both full-body and targeted workouts with or without weights. Do these quick sessions in the morning, afternoon, or evening. If you have more time, you can combine three five-minute sessions for a full 15-minute workout.
- Cardio: If you’re not a fan of traditional cardio, that’s fine! Try jumping rope for two minutes in the morning, take a brisk walk with your kids, or dance around the house in the evening. The key is to sneak in small bursts of activity that fit your lifestyle.
- Mobility: You don’t need a formal program to improve your mobility. Simply getting down on the floor, rolling around, or doing some bear crawls can be incredibly effective. Playful, functional movement is not only fun but beneficial for your body.
- Stretching: Incorporating a few minutes of stretching in the morning and evening can do wonders for your flexibility and recovery.
Movement for Longevity
Finally, I want you to reframe your approach to exercise and movement. Rather than viewing it as something you have to do to lose weight or look a certain way, think of it as an investment in your long-term health and happiness. When you find joy in moving, you’ll not only stay consistent but you’ll also feel more energetic and positive in your daily life.
It’s time to stop dreading exercise and start enjoying the many forms of movement that can make you feel great, inside and out.
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