Three Reasons Why I Choose to Exercise Daily
Why should I work out?
This article explains my reasoning for maintaining a workout schedule. I hope it serves as motivation to continue improving your fitness and health!
01 The post-workout feeling is unmatchable.
A study by the National Library of Medicine concludes exercising provides an increase in peripheral endorphin concentration, which may heighten mood while lessening stress.
The article also uses the term ‘exercise-induced euphoria’ to explain the elevated mood that follows after a workout.
For someone not yet in a workout routine, this information may seem like nonsense.
Sedentary people (including myself a few years ago) tend to think,
What’s the point? I already feel good. I know I’m in good physical shape. Why add more on to my schedule?! I already have an 8-hour workday.
I promise you, it’s worth it!
If you have a meager 30 minutes of spare time in your evenings, practice a yoga flow or take a nice walk outdoors.
02Exercise increases my self-discipline.
Some days, the motivation to work out will feel nonexistent.
Break days are absolutely necessary. Know your body and understand when it’s time to take a rest.
But on days we’re just feeling lazy, this is where discipline becomes essential.
You must show a strong level of self-discipline to keep on track with your exercise schedule.
If you want to be consistent, do it!
To read more about increasing self-discipline, check out Todd Brison’s inspiring article,
“The secret to self-discipline is knowing yourself.”
Listen to your body and figure out what makes you feel the most complete, fulfilled or happy.
By doing this, you practice self-discipline while improving yourself!
03Working out makes me feel strong: both mentally and physically.
After a year of lifting weights, I can truthfully say I increased my lean muscle mass and feel a hell of a lot better, mentally and physically.
A big contributor to muscle growth was changing my diet.
Once I started consuming more protein and carbohydrates daily, I noticed my body started to tone faster.
The combination of eating well and exercising makes me feel capable of anything I set my mind to.
My mental is clearer on days I work out.
My depression and anxiety lessen when I stay in a good workout routine.
I feel physically stronger.
These are the three main reasons I decide to exercise daily.
There are several other motivators I have, including my older sister, Kayla. She is my main influence and my fitness role model. After long workdays, she always prioritizes a good workout before the end of the day.
Seeing my sister’s strong sense of discipline for working out shows me that anyone can make time for anything. If the goal is to prioritize self and increase a sense of peace, one must take the steps to make it happen. It’s a matter of where you direct your energy.
My Exercise Schedule
I don’t do the same workout each day. I would get sick of the routine and end up calling it quits. So, to avoid burnout, I switch up my exercises daily.
I recommend trying out different forms of exercise until you find what you like best.
Need inspiration? Here is my typical exercise schedule:
Sunday — rest day or a slow yoga routine
Monday — weight lift for glutes & legs
Tuesday — weight lift for arms, shoulders & back
Wednesday — yoga
Thursday — weight lift for glutes & legs
Friday — another rest day or weight lift for arms & back
Saturday — yoga or a long walk
Within similar workout days, I even switch up what exercises I do. For example, Wednesday’s yoga flow is focused on stretches and breath work whereas Saturday’s yoga flow is more still and focused on meditation.
I also switch up my weekly exercise days. I listen to my body and decide my workout for the day based on how I feel. If my legs are sore on a Monday, I will lift my arms and wait until Tuesday or Wednesday to lift my legs again.
And obviously, there are days when a workout isn’t feasible. That’s okay!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article.
I hope it positively assists your self-improvement journey!