As Nike would say, just do it.
I have been exercising regularly for years now, and although I don’t have a six pack and I can’t crush a coconut under my biceps, exercise has brought so many positive changes in my life, that I am now a big advocate of working out. Hence why I decided to dedicate a whole post about why you should start exercising, if you don’t do it yet. Trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems, and it will do you a whole lot of good. See with my four points here…
1. EXERCISING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
There is something for everyone. Those who are intimidated at the thought of working out often only picture heavy weights, sweating and panting, and painful muscles. The truth is, it is not like that most of the time. Most people actually do more gentle workouts, and the weight training is left to those who are very passionate about it and make it into their lifestyle. There are tons of gentle pilates workouts for beginners, as well as short cardio exercises, that you can do to get your body moving. There are dance classes, swimming groups, but you can also work out from home with videos that you can watch in advance and pick specifically to suit your body and your ability. Most of us can exercise and find a way to make it work. It only takes a little bit of research, and a lot of good will. So get started now!
2. EXERCISE IS PART OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
I have found that once I started working out, I became more careful about my health in general. Exercising gave me the motivation to look at the bigger picture. I started following a few fitness and lifestyle accounts (without becoming completely obsessed) and I started thinking about how I am helping, or not, my body on a daily basis. This means thinking about what I feed my body, for example, and whether I am healthy on the inside. If you start working out, you will quickly realise that it is not all about looks. It is not all about abs. It is about how you take care of your body, so that it does amazing things. This is where the healthier lifestyle comes in: you think about the nutrients your body needs, and how you should nourish your skin, massage your muscles, and take care of yourself in lots of different ways. It is all part of a learning process, and I do feel like I have known my body much better since I started working out, and it has pushed me to be a healthier version of myself – which is always as step in the right direction, especially as we get older.
3. IT IMPROVES YOUR BODY…
I don’t mean that you should exercise to have super strong abs and biceps as big as rugby balls. Though it may be the goal for some, it is also another of the things that won’t happen to most people when they work out anyway. I have been working out for ages, and yet my flat stomach is yet to be seen, though I do have a lot of muscle definition that I did not have before I started. No, what I mean by improving your body is that your muscles will become so much stronger for every day tasks. My back pain has massively reduced since I started working out my arms and back a few months ago – I used to not care about that top part of my body, and would have uncomfortable back ache almost every other day. In January I started consistenly working out my back and arms, and the difference is almost too good to be true! Muscles hold your body together, and it is just as important to keep them strong, as it is to give calcium to your bones to keep them healthy. The more your muscles can support your body in its everyday labours, the less pain you’ll feel. Your posture improves, the muscles around your knee tighten their grip and you can walk for longer, carry heavier loads (solo shopping anyone?) and altogether have a stronger body to lead you wherever you want to go in life.
4. … AND IT IMPROVES YOUR MIND
I am no scientist, but I do know that exercising releases endorphins, the hormone of happiness and pleasure – and it is a very common remark that people who work out say it improves their mood massively and makes them feel happier. I agree with that statement, as whenever I work out I feel much better after (even on the days when I can’t really be bothered to start the workout… it all gets much better once it’s happening.) I feel proud of my accomplishments, proud of my body and mind, for taking me thus far, and ready to seize the rest of the day and whatever comes my way. Exercise is also a journey, and as all journeys, is infused with a lot of introspection, self-care, and development. Basically, it makes you happy, guys – if you keep practicing in a safe, healthy mindset. You grow with your exercise practice like you would with your job, your personal life or your hobbies. Move your body, and it will move your mind as well.
Do you work out? What are your tips for beginners?
Lots of love,
Julia x
