If you are currently in a regular exercise/dieting routine, what first got you there? People aren’t usually born wanting to eat healthy things and physically exert themselves, are they? Reflecting back over my own motives, I compiled quick list of reasons why some have chosen to get in shape.
Lose Weight (wanting to look good) – Many people, including myself, started their fitness habit out of a desire to lose weight and get in shape for appearances’ sake. Yes, I know it sounds a little self-centered and shallow, but I can’t feel guilty about my motives when so much good has come from it. Since that time my reasons for remaining interested in fitness have changed drastically but the point is that this was my starting point. I came to a point where I really wasn’t happy with myself and made the decision to turn things around. As vain as it sounds, this can be a truly motivating reason for kick starting a whole new lifestyle.
For Health (cholesterol, heart health, etc) – This is a much more serious reason. Millions of people around the world drastically need to lose weight for their health. Obesity is on the rise as well as all sorts of illnesses that stem from people simply being out of shape. Honestly, this also played a factor into my own lifestyle change. I took a free health exam at work and was told that I needed to get my good cholesterol up and that technically speaking I was in the obese weight category (my BMI was over 30). As a guy in my mid-20’s I was worried about the problems I would have in the future if I didn’t start changing things now.
Training (triathlon / marathon) – Other people often get motivated to start their fitness habits in the process of training for a major event. Whether they signed up for a charity event or simply want to prove something to themselves, this can be a very worthy reason to start an exercise routine. One-off events like these are also very good ways for people to catapult themselves into a lifetime of exercising and fitness.
Shear Enjoyment – This certainly wasn’t my reason for starting my fitness routine, but honestly, it may be the main reason I keep it up. I’ve reached my goal weight and placed my cholesterol in the appropriate zones. I simply run now because of how incredible in makes me feel. The endorphins, the thrill of the physical challenge, the feeling of accomplishment all serve as huge motivators for keeping me on the running track. I recently mentioned how much my emotions were affected after having to take a break from running for two weeks and I now know that I don’t ever want to go that long without running again. I’m afraid I’m hooked for life and am convinced that once people start a consistent routine of exercise that they will be too.
So, back to the question. If you are currently focused on your fitness, what first motivated you to live a healthy lifestyle?
